Chinedu Ngwuta, Abakaliki
The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed his legal team to proceed with court action over allegations involving Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, insisting that only verifiable evidence can determine the matter.
In a press statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the Minister said it became necessary to respond to the “ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims” by Mrs. Ohiri.
The statement clarified that Barr. Marshall Abubakar, who was linked to the matter, acted in good faith and without any financial motive.
“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.”
The Minister stressed that at no point was any payment discussed or negotiated with Mrs. Ohiri, noting that any intervention by third parties was done independently.
“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.”
According to the statement, the Minister had earlier set clear conditions for resolving the dispute, either through the court or by the presentation of credible and verifiable evidence.
“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.”
Following what the statement described as a failure to meet these conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible proof, Umahi has now ordered his legal team to take the matter to court.
“Following the failure to meet the stated conditions… the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established.
The statement also revealed that a conditional financial intervention had been discussed by some associates, pending the presentation of evidence.
“If Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications… some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (₦1bn). The Minister is still waiting for the above.”
Umahi, who had maintained silence over the issue for years, said his restraint was deliberate but recent developments made a response unavoidable.
“For several years, the Minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations… however, recent developments have made it necessary to respond.”
He appreciated Nigerians who have followed the matter critically, adding that public understanding of the situation is evolving.
“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.”
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to national service, stating that the controversy would not distract him from ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
“The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development.”
