By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Minister gives UN deadline to account for Nigeria’s funds, threatens lawsuit
The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, has declared her intent to file a lawsuit against the United Nations, accusing them of withholding funds designated for Nigeria.
Kennedy-Ohaneye made this announcement during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday. She asserted that the global organization had received funds on behalf of Nigeria but had not properly disbursed them.
Furthermore, the minister stated that the UN had failed to furnish her ministry with the requisite financial records. She warned that legal action would be pursued against the institution led by Antonio Guterres if the situation remains unchanged by November 15.
In her words, “I stand here as the Minister of Women Affairs to demand from the UN, an account of all the funds they procured from donors in Nigeria’s name. We want transparency in how those funds were utilized.”
“If the UN fails to provide us with this account or disclose their activities to Nigerians, they should issue a formal apology to the Nigerian people.”
“From October 16 to November 15, if we do not receive these reports for public scrutiny, we will proceed to court. The UN has until November 8 to respond.”
“By that date, they will receive our pre-action letter, indicating our intention to file a lawsuit. I assure Nigerians that by the 15th, you will have the lawsuit number.”
However, the minister did not disclose the specific amount allegedly received by the UN on behalf of Nigeria, nor did she specify the intended purpose of the funds.