Umahi: Being Accused of Pursuing a Woman Is Not an Offense

Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, has dismissed allegations of sexual harassment against him, stating that being accused of pursuing a woman is not inherently wrong.

While addressing journalists on Saturday regarding claims made by a woman named Tracy Nither Ohiri, who accused him of sexual harassment, Umahi insisted that he does not owe anyone an explanation for his actions in public office.

He defended himself, insisting that throughout his public service, he has never harassed anyone. "I am grateful to many of you who truly know me. I owe no one. I have presided over both men and women without anyone ever claiming that I harassed them," he remarked.

Reflecting on his time as governor, he emphasized that his actions should speak for themselves. "I served as governor for eight years, achieving significant infrastructure development. Thus, anyone who wrongly accuses me must be acting out of malice," he added.

Further addressing the allegations, Umahi argued that the notion of pursuing a woman does not constitute wrongdoing. He quipped, "There is nothing wrong with someone claiming that I am chasing a woman. If it were Senator Natasha who said I was chasing her, I would be more confident, not someone whom I was accused of pursuing for 12 years."

He characterized the controversy as a matter that is more fitting for social media discussions and urged Nigerians to instead focus on more significant global events. "This is merely a social media issue; we should shift our attention to the war in Iran and let Umahi be," he stated.