The controversy emerged after a heated debate in the House, where lawmakers questioned various expenses, including N45 million for a New Year party, N20 million for sanitary pads, and the N1.5 million for petrol.

During the live broadcast, Kennedy-Ohanenye expressed surprise at the lawmakers' concerns over the fuel costs, considering the convoy size and current fuel prices. She explained, "I traveled with staff in the bus, two security vehicles, one DSS and one police, my vehicle, the backup, and another one. We went all the way to Anambra State for a job and returned. N1.5 million for those cars isn't a big deal, given fuel costs these days."

She also criticized the lawmakers for not allowing her to provide detailed explanations, saying they insisted on simple 'yes' or 'no' answers, which she found unreasonable.

Kennedy-Ohanenye also addressed other expenditures, clarifying that many were approved before she assumed office. She mentioned that her predecessor had authorized N45 million for a New Year party, which included hosting 33 schools in the Federal Capital Territory and providing each student with a bag worth N15,000.

"Last year’s budget was set before my tenure. Most contracts were awarded in March, with funds released in May, while I only came in August. I discovered several contracts had not been executed, leading to significant ministry liabilities due to underfunding," she explained.

Kennedy-Ohanenye stressed that the N45 million party was held before her time and involved extensive logistics, including transportation, school bags filled with supplies, and food for thousands of children from 33 schools.