Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has forcefully denied allegations circulating in a viral social media video that accused him of making sexual advances toward a businesswoman, describing the claims as politically motivated and aimed at stirring public controversy.
The allegation emerged after a video surfaced online in which Tracyniter Nicholas Ohiri claimed the minister demanded sex in exchange for the settlement of a purported debt.
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing reactions and debate.
But speaking in Enugu after inspecting ongoing federal road projects in Enugu and Anambra states, Umahi dismissed the claims as baseless.
“What you read on social media — I am not worried about it,” he said. “It makes me stronger. I have fought many battles; this is not one.”
Umahi suggested that the timing of the allegation was not accidental, hinting at political undertones behind the viral claim.
“I know it is all about politics, and politics has started,” he said. “When the whistle is blown by INEC at the appropriate time, we will know what we are made of.”
Although he did not directly accuse any individual or group, the minister maintained that the narrative was orchestrated to distract him and ignite online conversations.
“Don’t insult your leaders because what a man soweth is what he reaps. People know me very well,” he added.
The former governor of Ebonyi State pointed to his years in public office as evidence of his character.
“I was a party chairman, Deputy Governor, and Governor for eight years, and nobody said I harassed anyone,” Umahi said.
He described the allegation as trivial, questioning the plausibility of the timeline mentioned in the viral video.
He also downplayed the controversy, arguing that social media often amplifies sensational claims without scrutiny.
“There’s nothing wrong with saying, ‘Oh, you are chasing a woman,’” he remarked, suggesting the accusation was exaggerated to attract attention.
The matter has since taken a legal turn. Ohiri was arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on a defamation charge.
With the case now before the court, legal proceedings are expected to determine whether the statements meet the threshold for defamation under Nigerian law.
Observers note that such cases often revolve around the burden of proof, intent, and the impact of the statements on reputation.
Refocusing the Conversation
Umahi urged Nigerians to shift attention away from what he described as distractions and instead concentrate on governance and pressing global issues.
He cited developments in the Middle East, including tensions involving Iran, as examples of matters deserving national and international attention.
For the minister, the priority remains infrastructure delivery.
He has been touring project sites across the South-East, supervising federal highway construction and rehabilitation works.
The controversy, however, highlights a broader reality in Nigeria’s digital age — where allegations can spread widely within hours, shaping public discourse before formal investigations or court proceedings begin.
As the legal process unfolds, Umahi has made his position clear: he rejects the allegation, sees it as politically driven, and insists that his focus remains on his duties as minister.
Whether the issue fades as quickly as it surfaced or evolves into a prolonged courtroom battle will depend largely on the proceedings ahead.
For now, the minister stands firm — dismissing the claims, questioning their motive, and pledging to continue his work uninterrupted.
Umahi Breaks Silence on Viral Allegation, Calls Claims ‘Political Distraction’
