By Amara Agha, Abakaliki
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that the N280 million campaign debt and sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri will not distract him from his official duties.
Umahi made the statement at the weekend in Awka, Anambra State, while inspecting ongoing Federal Government road projects in Enugu and Anambra states. He stressed that the matter is already before a competent court of law and insisted that the burden of proof rests on the accuser.
“The matter is in court. If you allege, you must prove it. Whether you insult me or praise me, I am not distracted,” he said.
The former Ebonyi State governor described himself as “David who is not afraid of war,” emphasizing that he would neither succumb to intimidation nor entertain calls for settlement.
“Some people are saying, let us settle. What are we settling? You cannot place something on nothing. If you insult me on social media, even if you are paid to do so, I will not keep quiet. I am not afraid of any battle,” Umahi stated.
He maintained that throughout his years in public service — as party chairman, deputy governor and two-term governor — he was never accused of harassment or indebtedness.
“I presided over men and women, and nobody ever said I harassed him or her. I served as deputy governor and governor for eight years and delivered massive infrastructure. Nobody can say I owe him or her unless the person is mischievous,” he added.
Umahi further noted that ongoing reforms in the contracting system may have unsettled certain vested interests but vowed not to compromise standards.
“Contracting is no longer business as usual. We know there are battles, but wherever the fight is coming from, we are ready. We will not bend. We will fulfill the mandate given to us by God, the people and Mr. President,” he said.
Dismissing social media attacks as inconsequential, the minister concluded that the allegations have only strengthened his resolve to remain focused on delivering infrastructure projects across the country.
