Dear friends,

My attention has been drawn to a malicious and false story published by pointblanknews.com. In the story, the link to which I shall post below, a faceless reporter alleges that (http://www.pointblanknews.com/News/os4834.html ):

1. I have deposited N150m meant for Anambra women into my personal account.

2. I have likewise diverted a multi-million dollar fund provided by UNDP.

Both stories are false.

Ordinarily I would have ignored the accusations, because I have had them hurled at me my entire life. However, I noticed that readers’ comments expressed not only a disappointment in me, but also in the PDP Government, of which I am a proud member. Coming so close to the General Elections, I cannot take the chance that people who would ordinarily vote for the PDP will switch their candidate choice because of this planted report.

The fund the report refers to is the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (www.nigerianwomentrustfund.com). It was set up by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on MDGs, UN Women, and a coalition of women-focused NGOs. While the MDG Office provided cash, the UN Women agreed to provide material aid and support. We launched the Fund on Wednesday, the 23rd of March, 2011. Some of you may have seen me that day on television after the Federal Executive Council Meeting, explaining the need to support women politicians technically and financially. Most national dailies also covered the launch. At the launch, cheques were presented to female aspirants as certified by INEC.

The Fund was set up to be independent, and has its own management, and accounts. It is not an arm or parastatal of my Ministry.

Regarding the second accusation, that I was given N150m for Anambra women, which I promptly deposited in my personal account, let me plainly state that I was not given money by the Party for “Anambra women”. These accusations are just another example of the depths our politics is sinking to. As most people know, Anambra does not have a PDP Governor, and traditionally, when this happens, the Federal Minister becomes the de facto ‘leader’ of the Party in the State. This may have upset some people, but regardless of this, I want to categorically state that I am an unapologetic member of the PDP. Given this consideration, all my actions will be guided by my determination of what I feel is in the best interests of the Party, and our electoral candidates.

I will not be a part of the culture of jamborees and come-chop. If money was released for a specific purpose, then as long as I have been given the authority, I will decide, with no apologies to anyone, how best those resources are deployed.

I understand that some people might not be comfortable with my position as a leader in Anambra, I also understand that there are a growing number of applicants who might feel that they need to destroy me if they want to take my current job as a Minister. All I can say is that I wish them good luck, but that they should look at President Goodluck and remember that ultimately, God, not man, decides our fates.

I just think it is a shame that people will stoop so low just in their quest to get their grubby hands on money they have not earned, and do not deserve. It is even more disappointing when I see women take part in this mud-throwing. It is heart-breaking, actually.

I will continue to serve my Party, and this Country, to the best of my ability, and that, dear friends, is good enough for me.

Iyom Josephine Anenih

Hon. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development

PDP Board of Trustee Member

Anambra.