Probe allegations against works minister, Umahi

A pro-women group, Protect the Women Rights Initiative, PROWORI, has urged President Bola Tinubu to order a thorough probe into the allegations against works minister, David Umahi.

This came amid allegations by one Mrs. Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri, that Umahi owed her N200 million.

Ohiri had claimed the money was for promotional materials she supplied during Umahi's 2014 governorship campaign.

In a statement made available to DAILY POST on Monday, signed by Dr. Halima Abubakar, Executive Director/President of the organisation and Dr. Helen Ogbonnaya, the Executive Secretary, they said the allegations should not be swept under the carpet.

“PROWORI unequivocally demands the immediate suspension and thorough investigation of Minister Umahi concerning both the N200 million debt and the serious sexual allegations brought forth by Mrs. Ohiri.

“It is imperative to acknowledge the alleged misuse of governmental power intended to silence her claims.

“Such behavior is not merely an individual violation but a concerning precedent that endangers the rights and well-being of women nationwide,”; the group stated.

It called on President Tinubu “to act decisively. It is essential that he intervenes to restore justice and integrity to our governance.

“As a matter of urgency, we implore President Tinubu to initiate an impartial investigation into the allegations against Minister Umahi.

“We reject any attempts to obfuscate or dismiss these serious matters.”;

The group issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Umahi to come clean on the matter.

“Failure to adhere to these demands will force PROWORI to take more drastic, collective action.

“On Thursday, April 17, 2025, upon President Tinubu’s expected return from his official duties abroad, we will mobilize women and youth across the nation to peacefully occupy the streets of Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, demanding the removal of Minister Umahi from his position.

“We hold a steadfast belief that President Tinubu will summon the moral courage necessary to ensure that justice is achieved for Mrs. Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri.

“The situation at hand calls for immediate resolution, not only for the sake of Mrs Ohiri but for the assurance that all women in Nigeria possess the right to seek justice without fear of retaliation.”;

“PROWORI remains unyielding in our commitment to safeguarding the rights of women in Nigeria.

“We challenge those in positions of power to act with integrity, uphold the principles of justice, and ensure that abuses of power are addressed promptly and decisively,”; the group further stated.

Meanwhile, Umahi had earlier denied owing the businesswoman.

Umahi, who denied the allegation while fielding questions from journalists in Lagos, said, “When I left office and then became a minister, she was going about saying that I owe her N200 million in 2014.

“The entire election in 2014 for me to be a governor did not cost me up to N100 million; so, how would campaign material be N200 million?

“Where is the contract paper? Where did you draw the money from? Can you publish your account where you withdrew the money?

“At least, you would have used up N150 million. Can you publish it?

“I think that woman is sponsored. I saw what she did to three other governors.”

“I had thought it was a mental case, so I didn’t bother but I think some people that have been castigating me that we destroyed their property, staging protests, have bought into the matter.

“That is why I am going to legally teach whoever is the sponsor some lessons.”

The minister, who said that he had instructed his lawyers to initiate legal proceedings against Ohiri, also denied sexual harassment allegations.