Businesswoman Retracts Sexual Harassment, Contract Allegations Against Umahi
Businesswoman, Tracyniter (Tracy) Nicholas Ohiri, has retracted her earlier allegations of sexual harassment and unpaid contracts against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, offering a public apology to the former Ebonyi State governor.
In a video message, Ohiri said her decision followed consultations with her family, friends and legal team, as well as what she described as a careful review of events over the past two weeks.
She admitted that the minister did not threaten her with the fate allegedly faced by the Neyland engineers if she visited Ebonyi State.
“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 also said she had no personal relationship with the Neyland engineers and only knew about them through online reports and what she heard from others.
“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 further clarified that she never accused the minister of tying a towel to meet her in a hotel room.
“I apologise if the allegations have been magnified and taken out of context,” she added.
Ohiri said her family had decided to move on from the matter and appealed to the public to respect that decision.
Addressing the financial dispute she had earlier raised, the businesswoman admitted 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 comes days after her allegations sparked widespread reactions online and a rebuttal from Umahi, who had earlier dismissed the claims as mischievous and politically motivated.
The minister had also told supporters that throughout his time as party chairman, deputy governor and governor, no one had accused him of harassment.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
