…Umahi said, “If anyone is paid to insult me online, it will not silence me. I am not distracted.
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed allegations accusing him of sexual harassment and financial impropriety, including claims that he is indebted to a businesswoman, Tracynither Ohiri, to the tune of N200 million.
Umahi maintained that he would not succumb to what he described as attempts to intimidate him on social media.
The allegations, which have gained traction online, centre on claims that the minister failed to pay N200 million for promotional materials allegedly supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday after inspecting the ongoing construction of the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway, Umahi said he remains focused on his duties and would not allow distractions to derail his commitment to serving God, Bola Tinubu, and the Nigerian people.
He characterised the accusations as deliberate distractions orchestrated by critics unhappy with his performance and insistence on maintaining high standards. According to him, the matter is already before a court of law, and those making the claims must be prepared to substantiate them legally.
“I cannot be bullied on social media,” he said. “If anyone is paid to insult me online, it will not silence me. I am not distracted. Anyone who knows me understands that I am not afraid.”
He dismissed suggestions of an out-of-court settlement, insisting that allegations must be proven. “If you make an allegation, you must prove it in court,” he added.
Umahi further stated that ongoing reforms in contract administration have unsettled certain interests but stressed that he would not compromise standards. He reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling what he described as his divine calling, as well as his responsibility to the President and Nigerians.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded on the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway, the minister disclosed that 20 kilometres of the road had been completed, with 13 kilometres remaining. He said the project, constructed with concrete pavement, is designed to last up to 100 years.
He urged contractors to speed up work to meet the agreed deadline ahead of the rainy season and called on South-East residents to support President Tinubu’s re-election bid, citing ongoing infrastructure development in the region as evidence of good governance.
