A businesswoman, Tracy Nicholas Ohiri, has withdrawn her earlier allegations of sexual harassment and unpaid contractual obligations against Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, offering a public apology over the claims.
In a video statement released on Wednesday, Ohiri said she decided to retract the allegations after consultations with her family, friends and legal advisers, as well as a review of the developments surrounding the matter in the past two weeks.
“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 said.
Ohiri clarified that she does not have any personal relationship with the individuals she earlier referenced in her claims.
She said: “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.”
According to her, she only knew about the engineers from reports and conversations online.
“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.”
The businesswoman also clarified that she never stated that the minister attempted to meet her in a hotel room while wrapped in a towel.
“I apologise if the allegations have been magnified and taken out of context,” she added.
Addressing the financial aspect of the dispute, Ohiri acknowledged that there was no formally signed agreement between her and the minister.
“Although the job was done and delivered to his aides, they might have used the material for campaign purposes without informing him, and without him knowing about it,” she said.
“I apologise sincerely for any misgivings that this might have caused.”
The retraction follows days of widespread online reactions to her initial allegations, which prompted a response from Umahi dismissing the claims as mischievous and politically motivated.
The minister had earlier maintained that throughout his years in public office, including his tenure as governor of Ebonyi State and his role in party leadership, no accusations of harassment had been brought against him.
Ademide Adebayo
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