The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has countered claims suggesting he bribed Barr. Marshall Abubakar, lawyer to businesswoman, Tracy Ohiri who had earlier accused him of sexual harassment and debt of N250 million.
Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaze disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
TheFact Daily gathered that Tracy Ohiri said the N250million was for promotional and printing services she provided during his 2015 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State. She also alleged that her repeated requests for payment were met with advances from the minister, which she said she refused.
In a later development, she came online to apologise and dropped her accusations against the Minister but recently resurfaced to say her apologies were scripted by her lawyer, Barr. Abubakar who she claimed was bribed by the Minister.
According to Umahi’s Spokesperson, “Barr. Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout. He neither requested nor received any money from the Minister at any point”.
“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”.
He clarified 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.
Nwaze also disclosed that the 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.
Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the Minister directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established.
Engr. Umahi further acknowledged that he had indicated to Barr. Marshall that if Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1b).
“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 Minister therefore extended sincere appreciation to Nigerians who took out time to examine the facts and arrive at an informed understanding of the situation. There is growing awareness that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and that, in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted.
“The Minister remains fully committed to his mandate. He will not be distracted from the ongoing work of delivering critical road infrastructure across the country. The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development.
“We assure Nigerians that this administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility”, the statement concluded.
