We never met in hotel room’ — Businesswoman issues apology to Umahi over sexual harassment allegation
Tracyniter (Tracy) Nicholas Ohiri, a businesswoman, has formally withdrawn her earlier allegations of sexual harassment and unpaid contracts against Dave Umahi, Minister of Works.
In a video statement released on Wednesday, Ohiri explained that her decision followed “proper consultation with my family, friends and legal team, and a painstaking review of events of the past two weeks.”
“I admit that Engineer Dave Umahi, the former governor of Ebonyi state, and the current minister of Works, did not inform me that what happened to the Neyland engineers would happen to me if I visit Ebonyi state,” she said.
Ohiri added that she does not personally know the Neyland engineers beyond what she learned online or from others.
“I apologise to Engineer Dave Umahi for the embarrassment this allegation may have caused him and his family,” she stated. “I sincerely apologise to his family, to my own family, friends, and everyone who felt caught and embarrassed with what happened.”
She clarified that she never claimed Umahi tied a towel to meet her in a hotel room.
“I apologise if the allegations have been magnified and taken out of context,” Ohiri added.
She noted that her family has decided to move on from the matter and urged the public to respect that decision.
Regarding the financial dispute, Ohiri acknowledged that there was never a formally signed agreement between her and Umahi.
“Although the job was done and delivered to his aides, they might have used the material for campaign purposes without informing him, and without him knowing about it,” she said.
“I apologise sincerely for any misgivings that this might have caused.”
The retraction follows widespread online discussion and a rebuttal from Umahi, who had dismissed the claims as mischievous and politically motivated. The minister had earlier stated that nobody under his leadership as party chairman, deputy governor, or governor had ever accused him of harassment.
