By Franklin Adole
A self-described businesswoman, Tracy Nicolas Ohiri, has dramatically withdrawn allegations she previously made against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, apologising for the controversy and describing the former Ebonyi State governor as “Engineer Deacon David Umahi.”
In a fresh video statement circulated on social media, Ohiri said she decided to review her claims after consultations with her family, friends, and legal advisers, adding that she now believes the situation had been misunderstood and taken out of context.
“Good day, Nigerians. After proper consultation with my family, friends, and legal team, and a painstaking review of events of the past weeks, I have come to the conclusion that it’s important we give peace a chance,” she said.
The controversy erupted weeks ago after Ohiri publicly accused the minister of owing her about ₦200 million for promotional materials she claimed to have supplied during Umahi’s 2014 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State.
She had also alleged that during a meeting at a hotel, the minister approached her room wearing only a towel and made inappropriate advances.
However, in her latest statement, the businesswoman walked back the claims and apologised for the embarrassment the allegations may have caused the minister and his family.
“I admit that Engineer Deacon David 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 visited Ebonyi State,” she said.
Ohiri added that she did not have personal knowledge of the firm she had earlier referenced.
“I do not know the Neyland Engineers, except what I read about them on the internet and what I heard from people. I apologise to Engineer Deacon David Umahi for the embarrassment this allegation may have caused him and his family,” she said.
Addressing the allegation about the hotel encounter, she stated that she never said the minister met her wearing only a towel, noting that her comments may have been misinterpreted.
“I never said Engineer Deacon David Umahi tied a towel to meet me in a hotel room. I apologise if the allegations have been magnified and taken out of context,” she said.
On the claim that Umahi owed her money, Ohiri acknowledged that there was no formal agreement between them.
“On the issue of the contract, I admit there was no formally signed agreement between Deacon David Umahi and me. 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 added.
She also apologised to those who may have been affected by the controversy.
“I sincerely apologise to his family, to my own family, friends, and everyone who felt hurt and embarrassed with what happened,” she said.
Ohiri said she and her family had decided to move on from the matter and urged the public to respect their decision.
“My family and I have decided to move on and face our lives and business, and we want everyone to respect this decision,” she said.
The allegations had generated widespread reactions online, with the minister consistently denying the claims. With her latest statement, Ohiri expressed hope that the issue would now be laid to rest.