The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has broken his silence over the lingering controversy involving Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, firmly rejecting allegations circulating in the public domain and setting the stage for a legal resolution of the matter.
In an official statement released on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the Minister addressed growing public interest in the dispute, particularly claims linked to Mrs. Ohiri and her lawyer, Barrister Marshall Abubakar.
The statement emphasized that Barr. Abubakar acted “in good faith” and was motivated purely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri in resolving the issue amicably. It stressed that his involvement was entirely selfless and devoid of any personal or financial interest.
According to the Minister, at no point did Barr. Abubakar negotiate or discuss any monetary settlement with Mrs. Ohiri. Instead, the statement clarified that some concerned associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached the lawyer with the intention of offering support.
Providing further insight, the Minister reiterated that two clear conditions had been outlined for resolving the dispute: either the matter should be determined in a court of law, or Mrs. Ohiri should present verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her claims.
However, the Minister’s office noted that these conditions were not met, particularly citing the absence of credible and verifiable evidence from Mrs. Ohiri. As a result, Umahi has now directed his legal team to proceed with all necessary court processes to establish the truth.
The statement also revealed that the Minister had indicated that if Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete and verifiable evidence, including communication logs from the period in question, some of his associates were willing to contribute as much as one billion naira to resolve the matter. This condition, the statement noted, remains unmet.
Reaffirming Barr. Abubakar’s conduct, the Minister maintained that the lawyer neither requested nor received any funds from him at any time, underscoring his adherence to professional integrity throughout the process.
Umahi further explained that his prolonged silence on the issue had been a deliberate decision, aimed at avoiding distractions and maintaining focus on his responsibilities in public service. However, recent developments and intensified public discourse necessitated a formal response.
He also expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have critically engaged with the issue, noting what he described as a growing awareness that “not all who present themselves as victims truly are,” suggesting that narratives around the matter may have been distorted.
Despite the controversy, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to his duties, stating that he remains focused on delivering critical road infrastructure projects across the country. He stressed that his priority continues to be service delivery, national development, and improving economic connectivity.
The statement concluded with assurances that the administration remains dedicated to its transformation agenda, pledging transparency, accountability, and sustained commitment to national progress as the legal process unfolds.
