Minister of Women Affairs Uju Ohanenye on Wednesday denied she canvassed for the exemption of women from paying tax, as reported on Arise TVโs โMorning Show.โ
Her rebuttal was contained in a statement signed by Ohaeri Joseph, her Special Assistant on Media in Abuja.
The statement reads: โThe attention of the Ministry has been drawn to some false reports on the โMorning Showโ segment of Arise TV insinuating that the Minister advocated for women not to pay tax in Nigeria.
โWe 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.โ
It explained that the minister, during the recent Women, Peace, and Security Reference Group fourth annual forum 2023, had appealed for women under the Pink Riders scheme to be exempted from any form of harassment by the task force operators at the motor parks.
It stated further: โWe, therefore, want to warn ARISE TV to desist from their incessant and malicious reportage and shouldnโt make comments that will throw the country into confusion and chaos.
โWe, therefore, wish to state here for record purposes that these insinuations are totally wrong and misrepresent what the Honourable Minister said at the event.โ