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Works Minister Dismisses Allegation Of N280m Campaign Debt, Sexual Harassment

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
  Engr David Umahi 

The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has dismissed the allegation of N280 million campaign debt and sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by Mrs TracyNither Ohiri. 

This was even as the minister stated that he remains focused on his duty and cannot be distracted by the allegations trending on Social Media. 

Reacting during the inspection tour of major infrastructure projects in the Southeast, Umahi recalled his long record in public service and leadership.

"I want to thank all of you who know me very well. As party chairman, I owe nobody and of course I presided over both men and women, and nobody ever said I harassed him/her or I owe him/her," he said. 

A businesswoman, Tracy Nicholas Ohiri had accused the minister of owing her N280m for promotional materials supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State. 

Reflecting on his years in executive office, Umahi added: "I was a deputy governor, and then governor for eight years, and I did fantastic in infrastructure. So nobody could come and say he’s been owed unless the person is being mischievous."

Addressing the online spread of the claims, the minister showed neither anger nor defensiveness, describing such moments as familiar territory in public office.

"So, what you read in social media, I’m not worried about it, It makes me stronger, and I’ve fought many battles, so this is nothing," he said. 

In a lighter moment that drew laughter from those present, Umahi used humour to underline what he described as the implausibility of the allegations.

"There’s nothing wrong to say, oh, you, are chasing a woman but not anyhow person that will accuse this handsome man of chasing her for twelve years. That person must be the Queen of England. So, it’s just to make social media to be alive," Umahi added. 

Beneath the humour, however, the message was clear: distractions will not divert his attention from national responsibility.

He added: "But I think we can turn in our attention to the war in Iran now and then allow David Umahi to focus on his job."

This was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaze in Abuja. 

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