Youths and women from Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency of Ebonyi State have condemned the allegations levelled against the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, by businesswoman Mrs Tracy Ohiri and activist Omoyele Sowore, describing them as emotional blackmail.
Mrs Ohiri had accused the Minister of owing her N280 million in alleged campaign debts, among other claims circulating on social media.
The groups described the allegations as unfounded and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the Minister.
Addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital, leaders of the women and youth groups, including Mrs Nnennaya Okorie, George Chimeebere Nwoye, Odii Collins, Christopher and Lazarus Ugochukwu Ngwee, stated that Mrs Ohiri had made contradictory statements without presenting credible evidence or substantive proof to support her claims.
They maintained that the allegations appeared to be a calculated attempt to sway public opinion against the Minister, whom 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 Minister of Works of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator 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 Minister.
“We wish to make it clear that these claims remain unverified and should be treated as such until the appropriate lawful authorities, particularly a court of competent jurisdiction, determine otherwise.
“He served as 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 to have defaulted on obligations to contractors.
“The allegations levelled against our son and brother, the Minister of Works, are a calculated move by opposition elements who feel threatened by the rising profile and performance of David Umahi.
“There is no justification for the theatrical display by Mr Omoyele Sowore, which appears 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 what we view as a 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 associate himself with 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 what we believe to be an intent to provoke confrontation between Ndigbo and the Federal Government for personal political relevance and social media attention. The current attempt against Engr. David Umahi follows the same pattern.
“We state unequivocally that this should be the last attempt to weaponize ethnic sentiment, manufactured outrage or staged confrontations against our 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 Minister and urge him not to be distracted. He should remain focused and continue delivering the dividends of democracy, particularly in the development of roads and bridges nationwide,” they said.
