By Jeff Agbodo
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered his legal team to proceed to court against Tracy Ohiri over her persistent accusations of indebtedness against him.
Ohiri had alleged on social media that Umahi owed her N280million for campaign materials when the minister was party chairman.
The woman also accused Umahi of sexual harassment in the viral video.
She was, however, arrested and prosecuted over the allegations.
Her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, waded into the matter, leading to the woman deleting all the posts against the minister and withdrawing the allegations through a public apology which also went viral on social media.
Days after the lawyer’s intervention, Ohiri resumed her claims against Umahi.
In a statement issued by Umahi Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, he said he had indicated to Abubakar during his intervention into the matter that if Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some of his friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1b) and give her which she has not been able to do.
The minister said he is still waiting for evidence from Ohiri that he owed her and directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes in the matter to ensure that the truth was fully established.
“The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi has been drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, particularly as they relate to her lawyer, Barr. Marshall Abubakar.
“Ordinarily, we would have ignored this, but it has become necessary, in the interest of truth and public clarity, to address these issues directly.
“First, it is important to clarify that Barr. Marshall Abubakar acted in good faith and was motivated solely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri. His involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably.
“At no time did Barr. Marshall discuss or negotiate payment of any money to Mrs. Ohiri. However, some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Minister had clearly stated two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue should be determined in court, or Mrs. Ohiri should provide verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her claims.
“It must also be emphasized that Barr. Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout. He neither requested nor received any money from the Honourable Minister at any point.
“Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established.
“The Minister further acknowledged that he had indicated to Barr. Marshall that if Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1b). The Minister is still waiting for the above.
“It is also worth noting that for several years, the Minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks. This restraint was deliberate and guided by a commitment to focus on state and national service rather than distractions. However, recent developments have made it necessary to respond.
“The Honourable Minister therefore extends sincere appreciation to Nigerians who have taken their time to examine the facts and arrive at an informed understanding of the situation. There is growing awareness that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and that, in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted,” he said.
Umahi opined that he would not be distracted by Ohiri’s allegations against him but fully committed to his mandate in 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.
“We assure Nigerians that this administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility,” Umahi stated.
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