Embattled Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, claims she is being targeted by government cabals for refusing to sign a $500 million World Bank loan request.
In a phone interview with THISDAY, Kennedy-Ohanenye asserted that her refusal to sign the loan, which included an earlier $100 million case, has led to significant pressure and threats against her.
Kennedy-Ohanenye revealed that World Bank staff in Nigeria allegedly take back 40 percent of such loans as consultation fees. She stated, “All the loans they collect, including World Bank loans, are you aware that the same World Bank staff in Nigeria takes back 40 percent and calls it consultation fees? These are things you people should look into. You people should focus on where the problem is and let them leave me alone.”
She emphasized that her life is now at risk due to her stance on the loan, mentioning the potential personal financial gain she turned down. “If I sign that loan today, I am entitled to five percent of the money, but I refused to sign it. It is part of why the National Assembly and all of them are after me.”
The minister highlighted the alleged misuse of the loan, suggesting the funds could be better utilized directly to support women rather than on consultations. She questioned the necessity of spending $100 million on teaching women how to save money, arguing for a more direct allocation to the women in need.
This controversy follows a tense interaction on July 10, 2024, between Kennedy-Ohanenye and the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development over the alleged diversion of N1.5 billion meant for contractor payments.
