Umahi Dares Ohiri: Show Proof of ₦280m Debt to Receive ₦1 Billion

Minister of Works David Umahi has instructed his legal team to take Tracy Ohiri to court over her claims that he owes her N280 million for campaign materials, a matter that has been ongoing for some time.

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Umahi has also challenged Ohiri to provide concrete evidence to support her allegations, offering a potential payout of ₦1 billion from his associates if she can do so.

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Ohiri initially made the allegations on social media, claiming that Umahi had failed to pay her for campaign materials supplied during his time as party chairman, and also accused him of sexual harassment.

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Following her arrest and prosecution, Ohiri's lawyer Marshall Abubakar intervened, leading to Ohiri deleting the posts and issuing a public apology in which she retracted her allegations.

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However, Ohiri later resurfaced with fresh claims, stating that she had been coerced into retracting her statements and that promises of payment had not been fulfilled.

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In a new video released on Friday, Ohiri claimed that Abubakar had pressured her into recording a retraction and that Umahi had agreed to compensate her, leading her to restate her allegations.

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Responding to the claims, Umahi stated through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaz, that he had informed Abubakar that if Ohiri could provide complete evidence, some of his associates were willing to raise N1 billion for her.

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Umahi's statement emphasized that Abubakar had acted in good faith and that his involvement was motivated by a desire to assist Ohiri, with no discussion or negotiation of payment taking place.

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The Minister's statement outlined two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue would be determined in court, or Ohiri would provide verifiable evidence to substantiate her claims.

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Umahi's legal team has now been directed to proceed with all court processes to establish the truth, following Ohiri's failure to meet the stated conditions and provide credible evidence.

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Umahi acknowledged that he had indicated to Abubakar that if Ohiri could provide complete evidence, some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1b), an offer that still stands.

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Despite persistent provocations and public attacks, Umahi chose to remain silent for several years, focusing on state and national service rather than distractions, but recent developments have necessitated a response.

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Umahi expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have examined the facts and arrived at an informed understanding of the situation, noting that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one.

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Umahi remains focused on his responsibilities at the Ministry of Works, prioritizing results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development.

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The administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility, according to Umahi.