The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, on Thursday denied owing a businesswoman, Tracynither Ohiri, N200 million for promotional materials she supplied during his 2014 governorship campaign.
Umahi spoke on the allegation while fielding questions from journalists during his tour of the Independence Bridge in Lagos State.
He said: “When I left office and then became a minister, she was going about saying that I owe her N200 million in 2014.
“The entire election in 2014 for me to be a governor did not cost me up to N100 million.
“So, how would campaign material be N200 million?”
The former two-term governor of Ebonyi State challenged Ohiri to provide evidence of any contract, proof of funds withdrawn, and bank statements to support her claim.
Also Read
He added: “Where is the contract paper?
“Where did you draw the money from?
“Can you publish your account where you withdrew the money?
“At least, you would have used up N150 million.
“Can you publish it?
“I think that woman is sponsored.
“I saw what she did to three other governors.
“I had thought it was a mental case, so I didn’t bother, but I think some people that have been castigating me that we destroyed their property, staging protests, have bought into the matter.
“That is why I am going to legally teach whoever is the sponsor some lessons.”
The Minister said that he had instructed his lawyers to initiate legal proceedings against Ohiri, seeking damages.
On the alleged sexual harassment of the woman, Umahi said no such thing happened.
He expressed concern over the potential implications of such an allegation.
He said that some unserious ones were beginning to think that accusing men of sexual harassment would be the way to go.
The minister advised women to rise up against the trend, which he described as unfortunate, adding: “We will use this one to teach a lesson.”
Post Views: 8
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
