Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered his legal team to commence legal action against businesswoman, Tracy Ohiri over her alleged failure to provide credible evidence to back her claims, escalating the ongoing dispute between both parties.
He conveyed the directive in a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.
The minister’s decision followed sustained public debate on the matter and the need to establish the facts.
The statement also defended Marshall Abubakar, a lawyer associated with the case, describing his involvement as well-intentioned and aimed solely at facilitating an amicable resolution of the dispute.
“His involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably,” the statement read.
It further emphasized that “at no point did the lawyer negotiate or discuss any payment” with Ohiri.
According to the minister, “two conditions had earlier been outlined as pathways to resolving the dispute , either a determination by the court or the presentation of verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications.”
The statement noted that “these conditions were not met,” particularly citing the inability to provide credible supporting materials, which prompted the decision to pursue legal proceedings.
He also clarified that “although some associates might be willing to contribute up to N1 billion if convincing evidence was presented,” he is still awaiting such proof.
The statement maintained that Abubakar “neither requested nor received any money” from the minister and conducted himself with “utmost decency and integrity” throughout the process.
Throwing light on his earlier silence, Umahi said he had refrained from responding publicly “despite repeated provocations” in order to focus on his official duties, but noted that recent developments made a response unavoidable.
He also expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have followed the matter, noting a “growing awareness that public narratives may not always reflect the full reality of a situation.”