Tracy Ohiri Withdraws Harassment Claims Against Umahi and Issues Apology

Tracy Nicholas Ohiri, a businesswoman, has officially retracted her allegations of sexual harassment and claims of unpaid financial obligations against Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works in Nigeria. She issued a public apology regarding these accusations.

In a video statement released on a Wednesday, Ohiri explained that her decision to withdraw the allegations followed discussions with her family, friends, and legal advisors, as well as a careful reassessment of recent events related to the case over the past two weeks.

"I acknowledge that Engineer Dave Umahi, the former governor of Ebonyi State and the current Works Minister, did not inform me that the situation of the Neyland engineers would also apply to me if I traveled to Ebonyi State," she stated.

Ohiri emphasized that she does not have any personal connection with the individuals she previously mentioned in her allegations.

She reiterated, "I recognize that Engineer Dave Umahi did not warn me that I might face repercussions similar to those encountered by the Neyland engineers during my visit to Ebonyi State."

She further added that her knowledge about the Neyland engineers only came from media reports and online discussions.

In her video, she expressed, "I sincerely apologize to Engineer Umahi for any distress that my allegations may have brought to him and his family."

She also extended her apologies to her own family and friends, as well as everyone affected by the incident.

Additionally, Ohiri clarified that she never claimed that the minister had made an attempt to meet her in a hotel room while he was dressed in a towel.

"I am sorry if my allegations were exaggerated and interpreted out of context," she stated.

Regarding the financial claims, Ohiri admitted that she never had a formal contract signed between herself and the minister.

"While the work was completed and delivered to his staff, it's possible they utilized the materials for campaign purposes without his knowledge," she explained.

She concluded her statement by offering her sincere apologies for any misunderstandings caused by the situation.

This retraction comes after extensive backlash online following her initial claims, which prompted Umahi to label the allegations as mischievous and politically charged. The minister previously maintained that throughout his lengthy political career, including his tenure as governor and in party leadership, he has never faced such accusations of harassment.