By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The public dispute between Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, and Mrs. Tracy Ohiri has intensified, with the Minister breaking his silence to address what officials describe as “claims and counterclaims” dominating public discourse.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, the Minister clarified the role of legal practitioner Marshall Abubakar, who has been linked to the controversy.
According to the statement, Abubakar acted “in good faith” and was motivated solely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri in resolving the matter amicably.
The Minister’s office dismissed suggestions of any financial negotiations, insisting that at no time did Abubakar discuss or arrange payment to Mrs. Ohiri. However, it acknowledged that some unnamed associates had independently expressed willingness to offer financial assistance.
Officials revealed that the Minister had set two clear conditions for resolving the dispute: either the matter be decided in court or Mrs. Ohiri provide verifiable evidence, including complete communication records, to substantiate her allegations.
With those conditions reportedly unmet, the Minister has now directed his legal team to proceed with formal court action.
The statement also disclosed that Umahi had previously indicated that, should credible evidence be presented, some associates were prepared to raise as much as one billion naira in support.
That offer, according to the Minister’s camp, remains contingent on the presentation of verifiable proof.
After years of silence despite what the statement described as “persistent provocations,” the Minister said recent developments made a public response unavoidable.
He thanked Nigerians who have followed the issue closely, noting what he described as a growing awareness that “not all narratives presented to the public reflect the full truth.”
Despite the controversy, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to national infrastructure development, emphasizing that ongoing road projects across the country would not be affected by the dispute.
As the matter moves toward the courts, public attention is expected to remain fixed on what could become a significant legal and political battle.
