Umahi denies owing, harassing woman trending online

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that he owes or harassed a woman identified as TracyNither Ohiri.

Speaking to journalists during an inspection tour of major infrastructure projects in the South-East, the former Ebonyi State governor described the claims as baseless and inconsistent with his public record.

Umahi said his years of service as Ebonyi State Party Chairman, Deputy Governor, Governor, Senator, and now Minister speak for his character, insisting he has never owed or harassed anyone in public office.

“I want to thank a lot of you who know me very well. As party chairman, I owe nobody, and of course, I presided over both men and women, and nobody ever said I harassed them or I owed them,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure as governor, he added, “I was deputy governor, governor for eight years, and I did fantastically in infrastructure. So nobody could come and say he’s owed unless the person is being mischievous.”

The minister said he was unperturbed by the online allegations, noting that public office often comes with unfounded accusations.

“So what you read on social media, I’m not worried about it. It makes me stronger, and I’ve fought many battles, so this is nothing,” he stated.

In a lighter moment that drew laughter from those present, Umahi dismissed the allegations with humour. “There’s nothing wrong with saying, oh, you are chasing a woman, but not any person who will accuse this handsome man of chasing her for twelve years. That person must be the Queen of England. So, it’s just to make social media alive,” he said.

Despite the controversy, Umahi maintained that his focus remains on his national assignment, urging attention to pressing global issues.

“But I think we can turn our attention to the war in Iran now and then allow David Umahi to focus on his job,” he added.