The National Deputy President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, has exonerated the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, from sexual allegations levelled against him by Ms Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri.
According to Isiguzoro, the allegations are baseless, and he threatened litigation against Ms Ohiri, whom he described as a blackmailer.
He made this known in a statement he signed on Monday, which was made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
“The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost sociocultural organisation representing the interests of the Igbo people, finds it imperative to address and categorically dismiss the unfounded sexual allegations directed against Senator David Umahi. We unequivocally assert that these accusations are laughable fabrications, insidiously crafted as a vehicle for cheap blackmail, with the intent to obstruct the commendable contributions made by the Minister of Works towards national infrastructure development.
“In light of these developments, we call upon Ms Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri, the individual who has initiated these allegations, to present all substantive evidence to support her claims to the Igbo leadership within a period of 48 hours. Should she fail to comply with this demand, she will incur severe penalties pursuant to our traditional norms. Furthermore, Ms Ohiri must disclose the identities of those who have incited her actions and tender a full, unreserved apology to Senator Umahi for the egregious harm it has caused to his esteemed reputation.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the claims posited by Ms Ohiri, specifically regarding her assertion of a debt amounting to 200 million naira related to the supply of electioneering promotional materials during Senator Umahi’s bid for the gubernatorial position in Ebonyi State back in 2014. The apparent silence of Ms Ohiri over a span of eleven years (2014–2025) raises pressing inquiries: Why has she avoided engaging with law enforcement or pursuing judicial recourse if she genuinely seeks justice? Such inaction prompts scepticism regarding whether she is operating from a place of personal vendetta against Senator Umahi or is merely acting as a pawn in a larger political machination orchestrated by opposing forces.
“The organisation strongly urges Senator David Umahi to remain steadfast and resolute in fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities as the Minister of Works. Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally rejects the notion that blackmailers shall be permitted to tarnish the reputations of our dedicated and principled political leaders, especially when we collectively regard Senator Umahi as a beacon of hope for the Igbo nation.
“We hereby announce that more stringent penalties, including legal action and traditional sanctions, will be applied to any individual who conspires to publicly ridicule our leaders. This course of action is not merely a punitive measure; it is an essential deterrent against those who might allow themselves to be manipulated by adversaries of the Igbo people, thereby jeopardising the ongoing infrastructural renewal and rehabilitation of essential federal roads across the Southeast.
“Furthermore, we are privy to credible information indicating that certain Northern opposition politicians, in collusion with internal Igbo collaborators, are actively supporting Ms Ohiri’s attempts to malign Senator Umahi’s character. Therefore, upon the expiration of our 48-hour ultimatum, should Ms Ohiri fail to provide the required evidence supporting her allegations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will take decisive steps to impose the necessary consequences against her.
“In conclusion, let it be emphatically stated that the integrity and valour of our leadership will not be compromised. As the Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains resolute in its defence of Senator David Umahi, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguard the honour of our leaders and the interests of our people from the scourge of baseless slander and malicious attacks.”
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