By Agnes Okafor-Igwe
Youths and women of Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo federal constituency, Ebonyi State, have condemned the allegation against Works Minister, Sen. David Umahi by a businesswoman, Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and Omoyele Sowore describing it as mere emotional blackmail.
Ohiri had accused Umahi of owing her N280million as campaign debt and other allegations which is circulating on social media
The women and youths of the federal constituency described the allegations against the Minister as unfounded and attempt to tarnish the hard,-earned image of the Works Minister.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital , leaders of the women and youths of the federal constituency including, Mrs Nnennaya Okorie, George Chimeebere Nwoye, Odii Collins, Christopher and Lazarus Ugochukwu Ngwee, said Ohiri made several contradictory statements against Umahi without presenting any credible evidence or substantial proof to support her claims.
They declared that the allegations against Umahi appear to be emotional blackmail and a calculated attempt to sway public sentiment against the Minister who they described as their illustrious son.
“Our attention has been drawn to the unfounded allegations currently circulating in the media space, particularly on social media, concerning our illustrious son and brother, the Honourable Minister of Works of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi.
“We note with dismay that the woman in question, Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, has made several contradictory statements without presenting any credible evidence or substantial proof to support her claims.
We firmly state that these allegations appear to be emotional blackmail and a calculated attempt to sway public sentiment against the Honourable Minister.
“We wish to make it clear that these claims remain unverified and should be treated as such until the appropriate lawful authorities, particularly the court of competent jurisdiction, determine otherwise.
“His Excellency served as the Governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023. Throughout this period, he was widely known for prudence, accountability, and good governance. During his tenure, he was not associated with any proven scandal, nor was he known for defaulting on obligations to contractors.
“The allegations levelled against our son and brother, the Honourable Minister of Works, is a calculated move by opposition elements who feel threatened by the rising profile and performance of Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi.
“There is no justification for the theatrical display by Mr. Omoyele Sowore, which seems designed to generate unnecessary public drama rather than allow due process to take its course.
“We therefore call on all well-meaning Nigerians to disregard this coordinated attempt to malign the reputation of a serving Minister. The motives behind these actions are becoming increasingly apparent.
“We also urge Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and her associates to allow due process and relevant security agencies to carry out their duties professionally. As the law rightly states, he who alleges must prove.
“Nigerians will recall previous instances in which Mr. Sowore sought relevance by inserting himself into sensitive national issues. Notably, he attempted to cloak himself in the struggles of Ndigbo by organising and fuelling protests under the guise of supporting Nnamdi Kanu, only to abandon the process midway, leaving behind tension and division.
“That episode exposed an intent to provoke confrontation between Ndigbo and the Federal Government for personal political relevance and social media traction. The current attempt against Engr. David Umahi follows the same playbook.
“We state unequivocally that this should be the last attempt to weaponize ethnic sentiment, manufactured outrage, or staged confrontations against our dear leader. His performance is evident for all to see, and he continues to serve the nation diligently.
“Engr. David Umahi’s achievements in infrastructure development, both as former Governor of Ebonyi State and now as Minister of Works, are visible and verifiable across the country. No amount of noise or misinformation can erase this record.
“We stand firmly with the Honourable Minister and urge him not to be deterred by distractions. He should remain focused and continue delivering the dividends of democracy, particularly in the development of roads and bridges nationwide”, they said.
