The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, has formally addressed the growing public discourse surrounding the allegations and counter-allegations involving Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, affirming that the matter must ultimately be resolved through due legal process or the presentation of verifiable evidence.
Umahi made this known in an official press statement issued on Saturday, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.
According to the statement, the Minister categorically refuted insinuations of any financial negotiation or inducement in connection with the matter, while also defending the professional conduct of legal practitioner Marshall Abubakar, who has been associated with attempts at mediation.
The statement further said, Barr. Abubakar’s involvement was strictly altruistic, undertaken in good faith and devoid of any pecuniary interest. The Minister emphasized that at no point did the lawyer engage in discussions regarding monetary compensation on behalf of Mrs. Ohiri, nor did he receive or solicit funds from any party.
Providing further clarification, the Minister disclosed that two clear pathways had earlier been proposed for the resolution of the dispute: either the matter be subjected to judicial determination, or Mrs. Ohiri furnish comprehensive and verifiable evidence including documented communications to substantiate her claims.
He noted that the inability to meet these conditions, particularly the failure to provide credible evidentiary material, has necessitated a transition from informal engagement to formal legal proceedings.
Consequently, the Minister has directed his legal team to initiate and pursue all appropriate judicial processes to ensure that the issues in contention are conclusively determined in accordance with the law.
The statement also referenced an informal indication previously communicated to Barr. Abubakar, suggesting that certain associates, acting independently, had expressed willingness to contribute a sum of One Billion Naira (₦1 billion) contingent upon the presentation of complete and verifiable evidence by Mrs. Ohiri.
However, the Minister stressed that such an arrangement was neither formalized nor acted upon, and remains conditional upon evidentiary substantiation which has yet to be provided.
In addressing public perception, Umahi observed that his prolonged silence on the matter had been a deliberate exercise in restraint, guided by a commitment to prioritize national service over personal controversy.
He, however, acknowledged that recent developments and sustained public narratives necessitated a formal response in the interest of transparency and factual clarity.
The Minister further expressed appreciation to members of the public who have critically engaged with the issues, noting a growing awareness of the complexities surrounding claims of victimhood in public discourse.
He cautioned against the uncritical acceptance of narratives, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based conclusions.
Reaffirming his commitment to governance, Umahi stated that the controversy would not detract from the Ministry’s ongoing mandate to deliver critical road infrastructure nationwide. He underscored the administration’s continued focus on enhancing connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and advancing national development.
The statement assured the government’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, reiterating that the judiciary remains the appropriate arbiter in disputes of this nature.
