A former Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has dismissed speculations that her removal from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet was an act of unfairness, stating that political decisions are often influenced by factors beyond public view.
Kennedy-Ohanenye made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television, where she reflected on her exit from office and her continued relationship with the President.
She said, “In politics, many things go on behind the scenes. All I can assure you is that the President cannot do anything purposely to hurt me.
“He is proud of me. He loved the way I worked. There must have been something beyond what he could manage at that time.”
The former minister maintained that her sack should not be seen as a misstep by the President, insisting that she holds no grudge and continues to enjoy a cordial relationship with the Commander-in-Chief.
“I wouldn’t call it a mistake. There must be more than what he could handle behind my removal. I am still on very good terms with him,” she added.
While reacting to speculation about her return to public office, Kennedy-Ohanenye clarified that she is not actively pursuing another political position.
“I am not thinking or seeking another political appointment at the moment,” she stated.
However, she affirmed her commitment to championing social justice causes, particularly the fight against gender-based violence.
Kennedy-Ohanenye also took aim at the Nigerian civil service, blaming systemic inefficiencies for much of the country’s development challenges.
“About 70 per cent of Nigeria’s problems come from the civil service,” she declared.
According to her, entrenched practices within the system enable inefficiency and slow progress, which often undermine reform efforts.