N280m debt claim: Proceed with court processes against Ohiri,

From Uchenna Inya, Abakaliki

Minister of Works, Sen David Umahi has ordered his legal team to proceed with all the court processes against Tracy Ohiri over her persistent accusations of indebtedness against him.

Ohiri had alleged that Umahi was owing her N280million campaign materials when the minister was a party chairman in Ebonyi State and went to social media to broadcast her claim which went viral.

The woman also accused Umahi of sexual harassment in the viral video.

She was however, arrested by security agencies and prosecuted over the allegations.

Her lawyer, Marshall Abubakar waded into the matter leading to the woman deleting all the posts against the minister, withdrawing her allegations and tendering a public apology via a social media video.

But days after the lawyer’s intervention, Ohiri allegedly resumed her claims against Umahi.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze on Saturday, Umahi said he had indicated to Abubakar Marshall during his intervention that if Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some of his friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of one billion Naira (N1b) for her. But he said the woman had been unable to provide any evidence since.

The minister has therefore directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes in the matter to ensure that the truth was fully established.

“The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, SenatorDavid Umahi has been drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, particularly as they relate to her lawyer, Barr. Marshall Abubakar.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored this, but it has become necessary, in the interest of truth and public clarity, to address these issues directly.

“First, it is important to clarify that 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.

“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.

“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.

“It must also be emphasised that Barr. Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout. He neither requested nor received any money from the Honourable Minister at any point.

“Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established.

“It is also worth noting that for several years, the minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks. This restraint was deliberate and guided by a commitment to focus on state and national service rather than distractions. However, recent developments have made it necessary to respond.

“The Honourable Minister therefore extends sincere appreciation to Nigerians who have taken their time to examine the facts and arrive at an informed understanding of the situation. “

Umahi opined that he will not be distracted by Ohiri’s allegations against him but be fully committed to his mandate in the Ministry of Works as the Minister.