The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has refuted claims that he deployed policemen against Mrs Tracy Ohiri over a dispute involving campaign debt.
He characterised the woman’s allegations as inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, a position he said has been widely acknowledged by members of the public who have monitored the issue over time.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, and obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, Umahi explained that the police acted within their constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order and investigate complaints after receiving a petition from his lawyer. He added that the police later arrested Ohiri and invited him in accordance with standard procedure to provide his statement.
The statement reads, “The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has taken note of a video currently being circulated by Omoyele Sowore, in which he attempts to publicly confront and provoke the Minister over a matter already before the appropriate authorities.
“For clarity and public record, the allegations referenced by Mr Sowore were made by Mrs Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public space since last year. These claims, which relate to alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been repeatedly published through social media videos and writings. 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.
“Contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed by Sowore, the honourable minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score. 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.
“Mr Sowore’s attempt to dramatise this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth. The honourable minister, consistent with his character and respect for due process, declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged. As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome.
“Activism, in its true sense, is not about indiscriminate attacks on public office holders or chasing relevance. It is about integrity, balance, and a genuine commitment to justice without prejudice or personal bias. 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.”
NEWSCLICKNG online reports that in a viral video released on Wednesday, Ohiri accused the minister of assault and failing to pay for campaign materials. The footage has since been widely shared across social media platforms.
The controversy followed another viral clip from Wednesday showing Omoyele
The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has refuted claims that he deployed policemen against Mrs Tracy Ohiri over a dispute involving campaign debt.
He characterised the woman’s allegations as inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, a position he said has been widely acknowledged by members of the public who have monitored the issue over time.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, and obtained by our correspondent on Thursday, Umahi explained that the police acted within their constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order and investigate complaints after receiving a petition from his lawyer. He added that the police later arrested Ohiri and invited him in accordance with standard procedure to provide his statement.
The statement reads, “The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has taken note of a video currently being circulated by Omoyele Sowore, in which he attempts to publicly confront and provoke the Minister over a matter already before the appropriate authorities.
“For clarity and public record, the allegations referenced by Mr Sowore were made by Mrs Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public space since last year. These claims, which relate to alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been repeatedly published through social media videos and writings. 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.
“Contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed by Sowore, the honourable minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score. 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.
“Mr Sowore’s attempt to dramatise this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth. The honourable minister, consistent with his character and respect for due process, declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged. As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome.
“Activism, in its true sense, is not about indiscriminate attacks on public office holders or chasing relevance. It is about integrity, balance, and a genuine commitment to justice without prejudice or personal bias. 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.”
NEWSCLICKNG online reports that in a viral video released on Wednesday, Ohiri accused the minister of assault and failing to pay for campaign materials. The footage has since been widely shared across social media platforms.
The controversy followed another viral clip from Wednesday showing Omoyele Sowore confronting Umahi in a public setting over the allegations raised by Ohiri.
In the video, Sowore is seen attempting to question the minister about the alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials supplied during previous political activities. The exchange appeared tense, with Sowore accusing Umahi of using state institutions to intimidate a private citizen.
Umahi, however, declined to prolong the interaction and walked away. Sowore later posted the footage on social media, describing the encounter as an effort to demand accountability.
The video has since sparked mixed reactions online, with supporters of both men offering differing interpretations as the matter remains under police investigation.
confronting Umahi in a public setting over the allegations raised by Ohiri.
In the video, Sowore is seen attempting to question the minister about the alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials supplied during previous political activities. The exchange appeared tense, with Sowore accusing Umahi of using state institutions to intimidate a private citizen.
Umahi, however, declined to prolong the interaction and walked away. Sowore later posted the footage on social media, describing the encounter as an effort to demand accountability.
The video has since sparked mixed reactions online, with supporters of both men offering differing interpretations as the matter remains under police investigation.
