The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, did not deploy the police to settle any personal score as alleged by activist Omoyele Sowore, according to the minister’s media aide.
In a statement responding to social media claims of assault and unpaid campaign materials, Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to Umahi on Media, described the allegations as false and misleading.
Nwaze said the police acted within their constitutional mandate to maintain law and order after receiving a petition from the minister’s lawyer. According to him, the police arrested Tracy Ohiri and invited the minister to provide a statement in line with standard investigative procedures.
He also referenced a video circulating online in which Sowore allegedly attempted to confront the minister publicly over the matter.
“For clarity and public record, the allegations being referenced by Mr. Sowore were made by one Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public space since last year. These claims, bordering on alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been repeatedly published through social media videos and writings,” Nwaze said.
He added that the claims were inconsistent and contradictory, asserting that this had been observed by members of the public who followed the issue.
Describing Sowore’s actions as “performative activism,” Nwaze said the minister declined to engage in what he termed theatrics, choosing instead to allow due process to take its course.
“As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome,” he stated.
Nwaze emphasised that the minister remains committed to transparency and respect for the rule of law, insisting that he would not be distracted by what he described as calculated provocations.
The aide maintained that the police were simply carrying out their statutory responsibilities and that the matter would be resolved through established legal channels.
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What You Should Know
Dave Umahi’s media aide has dismissed claims by Omoyele Sowore that the minister used the police to pursue a personal dispute.
The aide said police action followed a formal petition and is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations raised by Tracy Ohiri.
He described attempts to publicly confront the minister as unnecessary, stressing that the case remains under investigation and will be determined by due process.
