Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State David Umahi has denied using policemen against Tracy Ohiri over an alleged campaign debt.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media Francis Nwaze, Minister Umahi said the police acted within their constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and investigate complaints, following a petition submitted by his lawyer.
“The Nigeria Police Force, acting within its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and investigate complaints, acted on a petition submitted by the Minister’s lawyer, arrested her, and invited the Honourable Minister in line with standard procedure for statements,” the statement read.
Umahi described Ohiri’s claims as inconsistent, contradictory and lacking coherence.
He said the allegations had been publicly circulated since last year and related to alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials.
“It is important to state that her accounts have been inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, a fact that has been widely observed by members of the public who have followed the matter over time,” the minister added.
The minister also responded to activist Omoyele Sowore, who confronted him in a public setting over the same matter.
Umahi described Mr. Sowore’s action as an attempt to dramatize a lawful process.
“Mr. Sowore’s attempt to dramatize this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth,” he said.
He urged respect for due process and said he declined to be drawn into the confrontation.
“As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome,” he added.
Umahi said activism should reflect integrity, balance and commitment to justice.
He emphasized his commitment to transparency, rule of law and the delivery of infrastructure, saying he would not be distracted by provocations.
“The Honourable Minister of Works remains fully committed to transparency, respect for the rule of law, and the uninterrupted delivery of critical infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians. He will continue to respect institutional processes and will not be distracted by calculated provocations,” the statement concluded.
The controversy follows a viral video in which Sowore confronted Umahi over claims made by Ohiri regarding unpaid campaign materials and alleged assault.
