Works Minister Dave Umahi Dismisses Sexual Harassment Allegation, Says Claim Is a Social Media Distraction

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment made against him, insisting that he has never harassed anyone throughout his years in public office. The minister addressed the claims on Saturday while speaking with journalists, describing the controversy as exaggerated and driven largely by social media narratives.

Umahi was responding to accusations by a woman identified as Tracy Nither Ohiri, who alleged that the minister had sexually harassed her. The former Ebonyi State governor firmly denied the allegation, stating that his personal and public records speak in his defence.

“I want to thank a lot of you who know me very well. I owe nobody. And of course, I presided over both men and women, and nobody ever said I harassed him or her,” Umahi said during the interaction with reporters.

Reflecting on his eight-year tenure as governor of Ebonyi State, the minister argued that his achievements in infrastructure development should underscore his character and integrity.

“I was governor for eight years, and I did fantastic infrastructure. So nobody could come and accuse me wrongly unless the person is being mischievous,” he added.

Addressing the allegation more directly, Umahi suggested that being accused of pursuing a woman does not automatically amount to wrongdoing. In a remark that has since generated widespread reactions online, he said:

“There is nothing wrong to say, oh, you are chasing a woman. If it’s Senator Natasha that said I’m chasing her, my face would be bolder, not anyhow person that’ll accuse this handsome man of chasing her for 12 years.”

The minister further downplayed the controversy, describing it as a social media issue and urging Nigerians to shift their attention to more pressing global concerns.

“It’s just for social media, but I think we can turn our attention to the war in Iran and allow Umahi to rest,” he said.