Kuchi, Edu, Oduah… 7 female ministers suspended for alleged fraud since 1999

From Betta Edu to Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, the corridors of power witnessed the suspension of seven prominent female ministers. Allegations of money scandals, corruption, and unexpected dismissals marked their political trajectories, unraveling a saga that spanned from 1999 to 2024.

1. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, faced suspension amidst allegations of money laundering. A leaked memo revealed her directive to transfer a whopping N585 million to a private account, causing public outrage. Despite defending the payment’s legality, Edu’s actions sparked heavy criticism.

2. In a similar political scandal, Stella Oduah, the former Minister of Aviation, was removed from her position over corruption allegations. This controversial decision by former President Goodluck Jonathan shed light on the numerous scandals surrounding Oduah, leaving a stain on her reputation.

3. Like Oduah, Prof. Adenike Grange and Gabriel Aduku faced public pressure and bid farewell to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s cabinet amidst a N300m scam. Prof. Grange, the Minister of Health, claimed she had been misadvised by her directors, leading to the misappropriation of funds within her ministry. Despite standing trial, Grange resigned from her position on a somber note.

4. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai, the former Education Minister, was sacked in 2013. Rufai’s departure came at a critical time when negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) were in upheaval. Unfortunately, her exit hindered progress in resolving the ongoing strike.

5. Amal Iyingiala Pepple’s tenure as the Minister of Housing, Land, and Urban Development came to an abrupt end when President Jonathan announced the unexpected dismissal of 10 cabinet members. Pepple, along with her colleagues, faced the shock of losing their positions in a surprising move by the President.

6. Olusola Obada, once the Minister of State for Defence and later Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, experienced a similar fate when he was sacked during a major reshuffle in 2013. This reshuffling, initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan, led to Obada’s unceremonious departure from the government.

7. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi’s political journey took several twists and turns during her tenure as the Minister of State for Power and Niger Delta Affairs under President Jonathan. 

From swapping roles to unexpected sacking during a Federal Executive Council meeting, Kuchi’s political career remained tumultuous. 

However, she made a surprise comeback as Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidential Campaign coordinator for Niger state in 2014.

READ ALSO: Betta Edu: Tinubu’s minister trending for alleged financial misconduct

These controversial stories reveal the complex nature of politics, where ministers face scrutiny, scandal, and unexpected dismissals, leaving a lasting impact on their careers and the nation.

These stories depict the intricate of Nigeria politics, where ministers navigate through the labyrinth of scrutiny and scandal. The unexpected dismissals resonate as a poignant reminder of the profound impact political choices have on both individual careers and the nation at large.