Businesswoman has publicly apologised to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for allegations of unpaid campaign debts and inappropriate advances, saying she now wishes to “give peace a chance” after reviewing the controversy with her family and legal advisers.
Tracy Nicolas Ohiri issued the apology in a video posted on social media on Tuesday, more than two weeks after she accused the former Ebonyi State governor of owing her about ₦200 million for promotional materials supplied during his 2014 campaign and of making sexual advances while wearing only a towel in a hotel room.
Ohiri stated: “After proper consultation with my family, friends and legal team, and a painstaking review of events of the past weeks, I have come to the conclusion that it’s important we give peace a chance.”
She clarified she had no personal knowledge of a similar past incident involving “Neyland Engineers” and added: “I admit that Engineer Deacon David Umahi … did not inform me that what happened to the Neyland Engineers would happen to me if I visit Ebonyi State. I apologize to Engineer Deacon David Umahi for the embarrassment this allegation may have caused him and his family.”
On the alleged hotel encounter, she said: “I never said Engineer Deacon David Umahi tied a towel to meet me in a hotel room. I apologize if the allegations have been magnified and taken out of context.”
Regarding the contract claim, Ohiri admitted: “On the issue of the contract, I admit there was no formally signed agreement between Deacon David Umahi and I. Although the job was done and delivered to his aides, they might have used the material for campaign purposes without informing him.”
She concluded: “My family and I have decided to move on and face our lives and business, and we want everyone to respect this decision.”
The minister has not issued a public response to the apology, which has sparked fresh debate on social media following the original claims that Umahi had consistently denied.
