The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed allegations that he is indebted to a businesswoman, describing the controversy as insignificant and politically motivated.
Umahi was reacting to claims by Tracy Ohiri that he owes her money for promotional materials allegedly supplied during his 2014 Ebonyi State governorship campaign. The allegation has generated public debate in recent days.
In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, on Sunday after inspecting federal road projects in the South-East zone, Umahi said the matter would not distract him from his official responsibilities. He stressed that his focus remains on delivering the infrastructural agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“I have fought many battles so this one is nothing,” he said. “I think people can presently focus attention on the Iranian conflict and allow me to do my job.”
The minister firmly denied owing anyone, maintaining that his record in public service is unblemished. According to him, throughout his political career from serving as party chairman to deputy governor and later governor for eight years he was never accused of indebtedness or harassment.
“I owed nobody as a party chairman, presiding over the affairs of both men and women, and nobody accused me of harassment or indebtedness,” he stated. “I was deputy governor, governor for eight years and nobody could say he was owed unless the person is being mischievous.”
Umahi further suggested that the controversy may be politically driven, adding that if politics has begun ahead of schedule, he is prepared. “I didn’t know that politics has started, but when the relevant umpire blows the whistle for its commencement, we will play it well,” he said.
In a lighter tone, the minister also dismissed allegations of prolonged romantic advances, remarking humorously that such claims would require “an extremely beautiful woman” and describing himself as “a handsome man.”
