Businesswoman Tracy Nicolas Ohiri has issued a public apology to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, following allegations she previously made against him.
In a new video statement shared on social media, Ohiri explained that she decided to apologise after holding discussions with her family, friends and legal advisers and carefully reviewing the events that sparked the controversy.
“Good day, Nigerians. After proper consultation with my family, friends and legal team, and a pain-taking review of events of the past weeks, I have come to the conclusion that it’s important we give peace a chance,” she said.
Ohiri had earlier accused the former governor of Ebonyi State of owing her about ₦200 million for promotional materials she said she supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign. She also alleged that during a meeting in a hotel, the minister entered her room wearing only a towel and made advances toward her.
However, in her latest statement, she clarified that the minister did not threaten her regarding visiting Ebonyi State and expressed regret over the controversy the allegations might have caused.
“I admit that Engineer Deacon David Omani, the former Governor of the 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 visit Ebonyi State.
“I do not know the Neyland Engineers, except what I read about them on the internet, and what I heard from people. I apologize to Engineer Deacon David Omani for the embarrassment this allegation may have caused him and his family.”
She further extended her apology to those who may have been affected by the situation.
“I sincerely apologize to his family, to my own family, friends, and everyone who felt hurt and embarrassed with what happened,” she said.
Addressing another part of the controversy, Ohiri stated that she never claimed that Umahi met her in a hotel room wearing a towel.
“I never said Engineer Deacon David Omani tied a towel to meet me in a hotel room. I apologize if the allegations have been magnified and taken out of context,” she said.
Speaking on the alleged contract dispute, she acknowledged that there was no formally signed agreement between them.
“On the issue of the contract, I admit there was no formally signed agreement between Deacon David Omani and I. 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.
Ohiri also stated that she and her family have chosen to move forward from the situation.
“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 sparked widespread debate on social media after Ohiri publicly accused the minister of owing her money and making inappropriate advances, claims which David Umahi consistently denied.
With her latest statement, the businesswoman expressed hope that the issue would now be laid to rest.
What you should know
The controversy between Tracy Nicolas Ohiri and David Umahi gained significant attention online after allegations surfaced that the minister owed money from a past campaign engagement and had behaved inappropriately during a meeting.
Umahi denied the claims throughout the dispute.
Ohiri’s recent apology and clarification indicate that she now believes the situation may have been misunderstood or taken out of context, and both sides appear ready to move past the matter.
