Umahi takes Tracy Ohiri to court for unpaid debts

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has instructed his legal team to initiate court proceedings against Tracy Ohiri, citing her persistent claims that he owes her N280million for campaign materials when he was party chairman.

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Ohiri had also leveled allegations of sexual harassment against Umahi in a viral video, but was subsequently arrested and prosecuted, prompting her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, to intervene in the matter.

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Following Abubakar's intervention, Ohiri deleted her social media posts and issued a public apology, withdrawing her allegations against Umahi, but later resumed her claims against him.

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According to Umahi's Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister had offered to have his friends and associates contribute N1b to settle the matter if Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs, and communications from the period in question.

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Umahi has stated that he is still awaiting evidence from Ohiri to substantiate her claims and has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to establish the truth.

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The minister's attention was drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding Ohiri's claims, and he felt it necessary to address the issues directly in the interest of truth and public clarity.

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Umahi clarified that Abubakar acted in good faith and was motivated by a desire to assist Ohiri, and that his involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably.

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Abubakar did not discuss or negotiate payment of any money to Ohiri, but some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her.

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Umahi had stated two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue should be determined in court, or Ohiri should provide verifiable evidence to substantiate her claims.

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Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout, neither requesting nor receiving any money from Umahi at any point.

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Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, Umahi directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes.

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Umahi acknowledged that he had indicated to Abubakar that if Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs, and communications from the period in question, some friends and associates were willing to contribute N1b.

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Umahi chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks for several years, but recent developments have made it necessary for him to respond.

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Umahi expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have taken the time to examine the facts and arrive 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 stated that he would not be distracted by Ohiri's allegations against him and remains fully committed to his mandate in the Ministry of Works.

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The minister's focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development.

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Umahi assured Nigerians that the administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.