Minister of Works David Umahi has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment and a ₦200 million debt brought against him by businesswoman Tracynither Ohiri, labeling the claims as a “distraction” and vowing that he cannot be bullied on social media.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has firmly debunked trending allegations linking him to sexual harassment and an outstanding ₦200 million debt allegedly owed to a businesswoman, Tracynither Ohiri. Speaking to journalists on Saturday, February 28, 2026, after inspecting the reconstruction of the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway, Umahi characterized the claims as a coordinated attempt to smear his reputation. The controversy stems from Ohiri’s assertions that the Minister has refused to pay for promotional materials supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign and has instead subjected her to inappropriate advances—claims the Minister insists are entirely baseless.
Addressing the matter with a defiant tone, the Minister stated that the allegations are being fueled by individuals who are “jealous” of his performance and his uncompromising stance on the quality of federal road projects. He emphasized that the dispute is already the subject of a legal process and maintained that he would not be intimidated by what he described as “paid insults” on digital platforms. “I cannot be bullied on social media. If you are paid to insult me on social media, it won’t shut my mouth. I am not distracted at all. Everyone who knows me knows that I am David and not afraid of anything,” he remarked.
The Minister further challenged those behind the accusations to prepare their evidence for the judiciary rather than resorting to public trials. He dismissed the feasibility of the ₦200 million claim, previously noting that his entire 2014 campaign did not reach such a figure for promotional materials alone. Regarding the harassment claims, he made light of the situation, stating: “I am a very handsome man with a very good brain. You don’t go by the side looking for me.” He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, insisting that “contracts are no longer business as usual” and that he remains ready for any “war” waged by those unhappy with his reforms.
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