Businesswoman Withdraws Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Umahi, Issues Apology

Businesswoman Withdraws Sexual Harassment Allegation Against Umahi, Issues Apology

A businesswoman, Tracy Ohiri, has withdrawn her earlier allegations of sexual harassment and claims of an unpaid contract against the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Ohiri announced the retraction in a video statement released on Wednesday, explaining that the decision followed consultations with members of her family, friends and her legal advisers, as well as a review of the events that had unfolded over the past two weeks.

In the statement, she said the minister, who previously served as governor of Ebonyi State, did not threaten her with any repercussions similar to those allegedly experienced by engineers linked to the Neyland project.

“I admit that Engineer Dave Umahi, the former governor of Ebonyi State and the current Minister of Works, did not inform me that what happened to the Neyland engineers would happen to me if I visit Ebonyi State,” she stated.

Ohiri also clarified that she had no personal relationship with the engineers involved in the Neyland matter and only became aware of their situation through reports circulating online and information shared by others.

The businesswoman further apologised to the minister over the controversy generated by the allegations, acknowledging the embarrassment the claims may have caused.

“I apologise to Engineer Dave Umahi for the embarrassment this allegation may have caused him and his family,” she said. “I sincerely apologise to his family, to my own family, friends and everyone who felt caught and embarrassed with what happened.”

She also dismissed claims that she had alleged that the minister met her in a hotel room while dressed only in a towel, stating that such a narrative did not form part of her claims.

“I apologise if the allegations have been magnified and taken out of context,” she added.

On the issue of an alleged unpaid contract, Ohiri admitted that there was no formally signed agreement between her and the minister. According to her, although the assignment had been carried out and delivered to some aides, it was possible that the materials were used for campaign purposes without Umahi’s knowledge.

She concluded by saying her family had decided to move on from the controversy and appealed to the public to respect their decision.

The retraction follows days of public debate on social media after the initial allegations surfaced, prompting a strong rebuttal from Umahi, who had earlier dismissed the claims as politically motivated and unfounded.