Former Minister Uju-Ken Reflects on Controversial Tenure:’No Regrets,’ Says She Did Her Best

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju-Ken Ohanenye, has expressed that she holds no regrets over her actions during her controversial tenure, which lasted from August 2023 until her dismissal by President Bola Tinubu on October 23. In an interview  Ohanenye reflected on her time in office, emphasizing that she gave her best in fulfilling her responsibilities.

Throughout her brief tenure, Ohanenye took several bold and controversial actions. Notably, she threatened to sue the United Nations for mishandling funds intended for Nigeria. Additionally, she filed a lawsuit against the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, over his decision to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.

Despite the public disagreements, Ohanenye was firm in her conviction that she did all she could in her role as minister. She expressed that her commitment to her responsibilities was unwavering, stating, “I have a responsibility given to me to man that place and make sure things go right. I wouldn’t have tolerated anybody trying to rubbish deceit given to me.”

Ohanenye took pride in her work, adding that she was pleased with the impact she had made, even though her tenure was short. “There must be an impact on people. I’m glad that I didn’t give such chance, and I have no regret in the way I did my job. That was the highest way I would have done that,” she explained.

The former minister also discussed the donations made by Nigerians to assist vulnerable groups, including a significant contribution on October 15 aimed at supporting the country’s most marginalized citizens. Ohanenye highlighted her efforts to aid vulnerable groups, such as initiating programs like mobile courts to protect street-hawking children. However, due to these programs not being included in the ministry’s original budget, she had to call on Nigerians for financial support.