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The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has rejected allegations circulating on social media that he made inappropriate advances towards a woman several years ago, describing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
The accusations were made in a viral video by businesswoman Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri, who alleged that the minister demanded sexual favours in exchange for settling an alleged debt.
Ohiri was subsequently arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on a charge of defamation.
Responding to the allegations in Enugu after inspecting Nigerian government projects in Enugu and Anambra states, Umahi on Saturday said he was not bothered by online commentary, insisting that such narratives only strengthen him.
“Don’t insult your leaders because what a man soweth is what he reaps. People know me very well,” Umahi said.
“I was a party chairman, Deputy Governor, and Governor for eight years, and nobody said I harassed anyone.
“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 maintained that the accusations were the handiwork of political opponents and expressed confidence that he would be proven innocent.
“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.
He also claimed that the allegations were designed to generate online attention.
“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 dismissed the accusation as an attempt to stay active on social media, adding that it was unrealistic to suggest that a man would pursue someone for twelve years.
Instead of concentrating on what he termed distractions, the minister urged Nigerians to pay attention to more urgent global issues, such as tensions in the Middle East, including developments in Iran.
