The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, vehemently denies the accusations that she advocated for women to be exempt from paying taxes, dismissing such claims as a “false report.”
The minister outrightly rejects any assertion that she called for Nigerian women to be excluded from tax obligations, emphasizing that tax payment is a responsibility without gender restrictions.
In a statement released by her special assistant media, Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, the minister clarifies that the controversial statements were made during an event organized by the ministry to address issues of peace and security for women in Nigeria.
While discussing new empowerment initiatives for women, such as mechanized farming and the “Pink Riders” tricycle transport scheme, the minister had appealed to security forces to ensure the safety of the women involved.
Her precise words were, “I am begging the Army, task force in motor park and Police, when my women, my Pink Riders start their Keke across the nation, leave them alone, just secure them for me, just give them security.”
According to Joseph, Arise TV took these comments out of context, omitting the video that would have clarified that the minister was solely requesting security assistance and not advocating for the exemption of women from taxes or any other civic duties.
Joseph asserts, “We wish to state categorically clear that the Minister did not canvass for women not to pay tax because as a law-abiding citizen and a major stakeholder in the Nigerian project, she strongly embraces the fact that there is no gender barrier for tax payment, which is the civic responsibility of both men and women in the country.”
To address the misrepresentation, Joseph points out that the Arise TV segment did not provide a comprehensive view of the Minister’s presentation at the program, which was organized by the Ministry to address peace and security for women in Nigeria.
He issues a warning to the media organization, urging them to abstain from malicious reporting that could foster confusion and discord. Additionally, he reiterates the Minister’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and equality in alignment with the President’s Renewed Hope agenda.