The dismissal of Barrister Uju Ohanenye as Minister of Women Affairs was a culmination of several controversies that marred her tenure. Her time in office was characterized by a series of allegations, including frivolous lawsuits, conflicts with development partners, extortion, embezzlement, and fraudulent fundraising, all of which ultimately led to her removal to safeguard the integrity of the ministry and the government at large.
Frivolous Lawsuits
A significant factor contributing to Ohanenye’s dismissal was her penchant for filing unnecessary and disruptive lawsuits. She notoriously threatened to sue the United Nations and initiated legal actions against members of the National Assembly for performing their legislative duties. These lawsuits, often lacking substantial legal merit, were perceived as petty and unnecessary, causing substantial embarrassment to the government and diverting attention from more pressing issues.
Conflicts with Development Partners
Ohanenye’s tenure was also marked by frequent clashes with international development organizations. She accused these entities of fraudulent activities without providing concrete evidence, leading to strained relationships with crucial development partners. One notable incident involved her refusal to sign a World Bank loan under the pretense of life-threatening pressure, despite lacking the authority to sign such documents. The loan had already been authorized by the Minister of Finance in December 2023, further highlighting her baseless claims and misunderstandings of her official capacities.
Allegations of Extortion and Embezzlement
Despite her public stance as an anti-corruption advocate, Ohanenye faced serious allegations of engaging in corrupt practices. She was accused of diverting funds meant for ministry programs to companies of her choosing, under the guise of “empowerment” initiatives. In one instance, she reportedly disrupted a UN Women event because they refused to allocate 50% of the funding for her empowerment projects. Additionally, funds intended for the education of Chibok girls were allegedly redirected to purchase machines that never reached the intended beneficiaries.
Fraudulent Fundraising Activities
The final act that led to her dismissal involved fraudulent fundraising efforts. Ohanenye organized events under the ministry’s banner, only to divert the raised funds into private accounts. One event, “PBAT Cares,” saw her collecting money from banks and private individuals, which was then used without proper accounting or transparency. The misuse of the president’s name for personal financial gain was a significant breach of trust, solidifying the decision for her removal.
A Troubled Leadership Style
Beyond financial and legal controversies, Ohanenye’s leadership style was contentious, often characterized by high-handedness and frequent clashes with colleagues. Her demands and disruptive behavior at various events created a toxic work environment, further contributing to her downfall.
Barrister Uju Ohanenye’s removal from the position of Minister of Women Affairs was a necessary step to address the mismanagement and corruption allegations that plagued her tenure. Her actions not only damaged the credibility of the ministry but also highlighted the need for leadership that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and effective collaboration with both national and international partners. Her dismissal was essential to restore order within the ministry and regain the public’s trust in its operations.
