News

Women Affairs Minister Clashes with House Committee Over Corruption Allegations

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2024

A heated confrontation occurred on Tuesday evening between the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development and Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, over allegations of corruption, specifically the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion meant for contractor payments.

The committee, led by Chairperson Kafilat Ogbara, had invited the minister to respond to the allegations following petitions from contractors about non-payment for completed contracts.

The session quickly escalated into a shouting match, with both sides exchanging accusations.

Chairperson Ogbara questioned the minister for clarity, asking, “What was budgeted for 2023 from the accountant-general’s office, was it released to the account of the Ministry of Women Affairs? Yes or no?”

Committee member Marie Ebikake also accused the minister of not including ministry staff in her dealings. “Fortunately, I attended the last meeting, and one of the reasons we took you on oath was to get the truth from you, and today you have deviated…” Ebikake said before being interrupted by Kennedy-Ohanenye.

Kennedy-Ohanenye, responding angrily, said, “I take exception. I don’t like this allegation. I am no slave to anybody. She should withdraw that statement she said about me. It is not fair here. It is a trap but I am not going to jump into it. I fear nothing… nothing!!”

Ogbara intervened, cautioning the minister against interrupting an “honourable member.”

Despite attempts to restore order, the exchange continued for several minutes, as guests and journalists looked on.

News

Impeachment: Rivers Assembly Asks Chief Judge to Set Up Panel to Probe Fubara, Deputy

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

The Rivers State House of Assembly has directed the Chief Judge of the state to constitute a seven-member committee to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu.

The Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, gave the directive during plenary on Friday, citing relevant constitutional provisions guiding impeachment proceedings.

Amaewhule said the House, in line with Section 188 of the Constitution, resolved by voice vote that the allegations against the governor be investigated.

He added that the resolution would be immediately communicated to the Chief Judge for further action.

“By this voting, the Rivers State House of Assembly has resolved that the investigation into allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor shall proceed,” the Speaker said.

The development followed a reversal by four lawmakers who had earlier called for reconciliation between the Assembly and the executive.

At a press conference in Port Harcourt on Friday, the lawmakers said the impeachment process should continue, accusing the governor and his deputy of encouraging attacks on the Assembly through their media aides.

They said their appeal for a political solution was ignored, insisting that the process was now unavoidable due to what they described as persistent constitutional violations.

The lawmakers stressed that the matter was constitutional, not ethnic or political, and vowed to allow the impeachment process to run its full course.

News

Imam Who Sheltered Christians During Plateau Attack Dies at 90

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

Abubakar Abdullahi, the Imam of Nghar village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State who famously sheltered 262 Christians during an attack in the area, has died.

His son, Saleh Abubakar, confirmed the death on Friday, saying the cleric passed away on Thursday night at the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos.

According to him, the Imam had been hospitalised for 10 days after being diagnosed with a heart-related ailment and had experienced unstable health since the diagnosis.

Imam Abubakar died at the age of 90. He is survived by 19 children, 12 boys and seven girls.

Abuja Reports

FCTA Approves Multi-Billion-Naira Infrastructure Contracts

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Samson Adeyanju

By Patrick Idowu

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee (EXCO), chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has approved the ratification of several multi-billion-naira contracts aimed at improving key infrastructure and essential services in Abuja.

The approvals were given at the committee’s first meeting of 2026, held at the minister’s official residence in Life Camp.

Briefing journalists, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, said EXCO ratified a N3.79 billion contract for the emergency rehabilitation and resurfacing of roads within the Presidential Villa.

He explained that the intervention, handled by Julius Berger Plc, addressed over 30 years of wear on the roads.

EXCO also ratified a N9.8 billion contract for the construction of the Kabusa/Ketti road, completed and commissioned in June 2025. Dauda said the project was fast-tracked to address insecurity and improve access following past kidnapping incidents in the area.

In addition, the committee approved a N1.7 billion emergency contract awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited for erosion control and the restoration of major water transmission lines from the Lower Usuma Dam to avert disruption of Abuja’s water supply.

The Secretary for Education, Danlami Hayyo, disclosed that EXCO also ratified a N62 million facility management contract for the Korea Model School, noting that the FCTA has fully taken over its management to sustain high standards in basic education.