Works Minister Umahi Moves To Sue Tracy Ohiri, Insists She Must Provide Evidence Or Face Court Action

Abuja, Nigeria– Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has directed his legal team to initiate court proceedings against Mrs. Tracy Ohiri following a series of allegations and counterclaims that have generated public debate.

Umahi said the matter must either be resolved in court or Mrs. Ohiri must provide verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to support her claims.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaze.

According to the statement, the minister’s attention had been drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims involving Mrs. Ohiri, particularly as they relate to her lawyer, Barrister Marshall Abubakar.

The statement read, “The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has been drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, particularly as they relate to her lawyer, Barr. Marshall Abubakar.

“Ordinarily, we would have ignored this, but it has become necessary, in the interest of truth and public clarity, to address these issues directly.”

The minister’s aide also defended the role played by Barrister Abubakar, describing his involvement as one motivated by goodwill and an attempt to peacefully resolve the matter.

“First, it is important to clarify that Barr. Marshall Abubakar acted in good faith and was motivated solely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri. His involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably.”

It further stressed that the lawyer never discussed or negotiated any form of financial settlement with Mrs. Ohiri.

“At no time did Barr. Marshall discuss or negotiate payment of any money to Mrs. Ohiri. However, some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her,” Nwaze added.

The minister reiterated that two clear conditions had earlier been outlined for resolving the matter.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Minister had clearly stated two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue should be determined in court, or Mrs. Ohiri should provide verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her claims.”

Nwaze maintained that Barrister Abubakar conducted himself with integrity throughout the process and never received any financial inducement from the minister.

“It must also be emphasised that Barr. Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout. He neither requested nor received any money from the Honourable Minister at any point.”

According to the statement, Mrs. Ohiri failed to meet the stated conditions, particularly the requirement to provide credible and verifiable evidence.

“Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established,” Nwaze added.

The minister also revealed that he had previously informed Barrister Abubakar that if Mrs. Ohiri could produce complete evidence, including communication logs from the period in question, some friends and associates had indicated willingness to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira.

“The Minister further acknowledged that he had indicated to Barr. Marshall that if Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1bn). The Minister is still waiting for the above.”

The statement also noted that Umahi had remained silent on the matter for years despite repeated provocations and public attacks.

“It is also worth noting that for several years, the Minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks. This restraint was deliberate and guided by a commitment to focus on state and national service rather than distractions. However, recent developments have made it necessary to respond.”

Umahi expressed appreciation to Nigerians who, according to him, had carefully examined the situation and formed their own conclusions.

“The Honourable Minister therefore extends sincere appreciation to Nigerians who have taken their time to examine the facts and arrive at an informed understanding of the situation. There is growing awareness that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and that, in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted.”

Despite the controversy, the minister insisted that he remains focused on his responsibilities in government.

“The Honourable Minister remains fully committed to his mandate. He will not be distracted from the ongoing work of delivering critical road infrastructure across the country. The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development.”

He added that the administration remains committed to pursuing its development agenda.

“We assure Nigerians that this administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility,” Nwaze added..