By — Newspot Nigeria
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has strongly denied allegations of sexual harassment and claims that he owes a businesswoman, Tracynither Ohiri, the sum of ₦200 million, describing the accusations as baseless and a distraction from his official duties.
Umahi made the remarks on Saturday while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing construction work on the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway. He said he would not be intimidated by social media attacks or what he described as sponsored online harassment.
“I refuse to be bullied on social media. If you are hired to insult me online, it will not silence me,” the minister said. “Those who know me understand that I am David and I fear nothing.”
The controversy, which has gained traction online, stems from claims that Umahi allegedly owes Ohiri ₦200 million for promotional materials linked to his 2014 gubernatorial campaign. The minister dismissed the allegation, insisting there was no contractual basis for the claim and that the matter is already before the courts.
“Some people are talking about settlement. Settlement of what? You cannot build something on nothing,” he said. “If you make an allegation, you must prove it in court. Insults or praise do not matter.”
Umahi also denied allegations of sexual harassment circulating on social media, describing them as attempts to distract him from what he called reforms in the execution of federal road contracts.
“We are in a season of battles because contracts are no longer business as usual,” he said. “We will not compromise standards. We will continue to serve God, the Nigerian people, and Mr. President.”
Speaking on the state of the road project, the minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway, noting that concrete technology was being used to ensure durability.
“The first 20 kilometres are completed, with about 13 kilometres remaining,” he said. “This road is concrete and designed to last for the next century. Asphalt roads in this country cannot be guaranteed beyond 15 years.”
He added that contractors had been directed to complete the project before the peak of the rainy season to avoid damage to the work already done.
Umahi also urged residents of the South-East to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu, saying sustained support would ensure continuity of what he described as quality governance and infrastructure delivery in the region.
