Nigeria's Women's Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye Threatens To “Sue” the United Nations
Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Nigeria's minister of women's affairs, has threatened legal action against the United Nations (UN) for suspected abuse of funds.
At a news conference on Monday in Abuja, Kennedy-Ohanenye made the warning, claiming that the United Nations has been receiving donations from donors on Nigerians' behalf.
“I stand here as the Minister of Women Affairs to demand from all the UN the account of all the monies they sourced from donors in Nigeria’s name. We want to see the account of what they did. If you don’t give us this account, at least let Nigerians see what’s going on, then you [UN] apologize to them. If we don’t get that report between now and November 15, we are heading to court,” she said. “That is to prepare them on the 15th; we are heading to court. And I am promising Nigerians that immediately, on the 15th, by the next day, you will hear the suit number and all of you;
“We will gather at that place for the case to come on and call for them to defend the money they are using you to collect from the donor.”
The minister’s statement has elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians, who have questioned the Minister. As is widely known, the United Nations has immunity from local jurisdiction and cannot be sued in a national court.
Reacting, an X user commented, “Are UN agencies/organizations accountable to the Minister or even Nigerian authorities?? Can someone help cause I don’t understand the noise.”
Another user said, “This Minister needs to be reigned in before she causes more trouble for this administration with her often unguarded statements. Quite some in such a short period.”
Reacting as well, another user said, “Just noticing this was the only female candidate at APC presidential primaries last year. Remembering her withdrawal speech now and this video now begins to make sense. Not surprised.”
Other comments include;
“Is it not same uju that was threatening the law student, who said they were sexually assaulted.”
“Madam Minister, do you think a press conference on such a sensitive issue is the best way out of it? Have u engage in diplomatic relations and it fails? Wouldn't such issue be better handled by Ministry of Foreign affairs? Seems like this is a hasty approach to take.”
“This minister should be briefed on diplomatic privileges, immunities , protocols as well as channel of communication.
“It’s okay to want to fire on in your new role but it’s also okay to take time and settle down first.”