By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed his legal team to resume all court proceedings against Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, following her return to public allegations of debt and misconduct after a previous intervention that resulted in a public apology.
Mrs. Ohiri had initially accused the Minister of owing her N280 million for campaign materials dating back to his tenure as a party chairman. The allegations, which went viral on social media, also included claims of sexual harassment. Security agencies subsequently arrested and prosecuted Ohiri. Her lawyer, Barrister Marshall Abubakar, intervened, leading to the deletion of the social media posts and a public apology from her.
However, days after the apology, Ohiri renewed her claims.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi detailed the conditions previously set for an out-of-court resolution. The Minister stated that during the intervention, he had informed Barrister Abubakar that if Ohiri could provide verifiable evidence—including logs and communications from the relevant period—some of his associates were willing to contribute N1 billion to her. He noted that such evidence has not been provided.
“The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has been monitoring the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri,” the statement read. “Ordinarily, this would have been ignored, but in the interest of truth and public clarity, it is necessary to address the issues directly.”
The statement clarified that Barrister Abubakar acted in good faith, without financial interest, and solely to assist Ohiri. It emphasized that at no point did the lawyer discuss or negotiate any payment with the Minister, though some well-meaning associates had independently offered support.
Umahi reiterated the two conditions for resolving the matter: the claims must be tested in court, or Ohiri must provide credible evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her allegations. The Minister praised Abubakar for his integrity throughout the process.
“Following the failure to meet these conditions, particularly the inability to provide verifiable evidence, the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure the truth is fully established,” the statement added.
Umahi expressed that, despite enduring years of public provocations and attacks, he had chosen to remain silent to focus on national and state service. He thanked Nigerians who have assessed the facts, adding that “not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted.”
The Minister affirmed that he would not be distracted by Ohiri’s allegations and remains committed to his duties at the Ministry of Works. “The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development.
This administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility,” he concluded.
