Prof Joy Ogwu 
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Professor Joy Ogwu is fighting tooth and nail to extricate herself from the alleged sales of Federal Government property in Washington D.C. which raked in a total sum of $23.5 Million (about N400 Billion). She swore she never authorized such sale during her tenure as foreign minister from 2006-2007.
In an interview, Ogwu said she had to clarify the matter to douse what she called “malicious misinformation” making the rounds in the media.
She spoke against the background of her invitation by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs investigating the alleged embezzlement of 23.5 million dollars from the Nigerian embassy in Washington D.C. The funds were said to be proceeds from the sale of three Federal Government houses in Washington D.C. between 2004-2007.
The Senate probe might not be unconnected with a petition written and submitted to the upper chamber of the National Assembly by an anti corruption organisation based in the U.K . The same organization had earlier raised alarm over corrupt practices at the Nigerian High commission in Washington DC, USA .
Ogwu acknowledged that the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs invited her in connection to a petition concerning misappropriation and embezzlement of funds by the Nigerian ambassador to the U.S. and others.
According to the former envoy, she appeared before the senate on June 27 and categorically emphasized that she neither received any request nor granted authorization to any ambassador concerning the sale of Nigerian properties in Washington D.C.
“Indeed, projects of such enormity are traditionally for the consideration of the Federal Executive Council.
“It is very instructive to note that I was not invited to the Senate in my present capacity as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, because I am not under trial.
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