The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has repudiated allegations circulating on social media that he made advances at a lady years ago, describing the allegation as unfounded and trivial.
A businesswoman – Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri – in a viral video, alleged that the minister demanded sex from her in exchange for the payment of a purported debt.
Ohiri would later be arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on a defamation charge.
However, speaking in response to the claims in a video in Enugu after inspecting Federal government projects in Enugu and Anambra states, Umahi said he is not troubled by online commentary, insisting that such narratives only make him stronger.
“Don’t insult your leaders because what a man soweth is what he reaps. People know me very well.
“I was a party chairman, Deputy Governor, and Governor for eight years, and nobody said I harassed anyone,” Umahi argued.
“What you read on social media; you know I’m not worried about it.”
“It makes me stronger. I’ve fought many battles, so this is not one.”
Umahi insisted that the allegations are machinations of political adversaries and he would be vindicated in the fullness of time.
“I know it’s all about politics, and politics has started, but when the right time comes, and the whistle is blown by INEC, we will know what we are made of,” he said.
Umahi argued that such accusations were designed merely to stir conversation online.
“There’s nothing wrong with saying, ‘Oh, you are chasing a woman,’” he said.
“But if it is Natasha who is accusing me of chasing her, then my face will be bolder.”
He added that any suggestion that a man would ‘pursue’ someone for 12 years is unrealistic, dismissing the allegation as an attempt to keep social media active.
The minister urged the public to shift focus to more pressing global matters, citing ongoing tensions in the Middle East, including developments in Iran, rather than dwelling on what he characterised as distractions.