Umahi denies deploying police against woman over campaign debt
David Umahi, Nigeria's Minister of Works, denies allegations of using police against Tracy Ohiri related to campaign debt disputes.
David Umahi, the Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, has publicly refuted claims that he sent police against Tracy Ohiri over disagreements about campaign debts. In a statement issued through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi labeled the allegations as inconsistent and incoherent, suggesting that they lack a solid foundation as they have been scrutinized by the public over time. He emphasized that the police were merely responding to a petition submitted by his legal representative and were acting within their constitutional rights to maintain order and handle complaints.
Umahi's statement also mentioned that the police had arrested Ohiri and summoned him in adherence to standard procedures, highlighting the legal aspects of the situation. The minister appeared to be reacting specifically to a video circulated by activist Omoyele Sowore, in which claims against him and his actions were made public. By addressing the issue directly, Umahi is attempting to mitigate any potential damage to his reputation and clarify his role in the events that transpired.
This incident reflects ongoing tensions in Nigerian political circles, particularly regarding campaign financing and alleged misconduct. The claims made by Ohiri and the subsequent police involvement have sparked discussions about the extent of governmental influence in personal disputes and the use of law enforcement in political contexts. Umahi's denial and framing of the situation could have implications for both his political standing and the broader conversation about accountability and governance in Nigeria.