Minister Kennedy revealed that only 30% of the allocated funds were received by her ministry but admitted she could not account for their expenditure, citing advice from the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to "mind her business." This response sparked intense questioning from committee members, who demanded clarity on the management of the funds.
The Minister further claimed that the full sum was not released, contributing to the outstanding debts to contractors. She emphasized that no project funds had been released to any ministry this year, creating a financial constraint.
Committee member Marie Nenemete Ebikake raised concerns about the African First Lady Peace Mission project, questioning the use of approximately N500 million allocated for the initiative. Minister Kennedy explained that the N150 million appropriated in 2023 was handed over to former First Lady Aisha Buhari for the purchase of a generator.
When asked about the contractors and their addresses for the African First Lady Peace Mission project, the Minister admitted her limited involvement, stating that directives were followed based on the First Lady's advice.
The committee members expressed disbelief at the Minister's inability to provide detailed information about the contractors and their work. The session was marked by interruptions and tensions, with the Chairman, Kafilat Ogbara, pressing for clear answers regarding the directives and financial transactions involving the former and current First Ladies.
The meeting concluded with the committee adjourning the session indefinitely due to the ongoing confrontations and unresolved issues regarding the fund's allocation and utilization.
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