By Francis Ajuonuma
The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has cleared the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, of allegations made against him by Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri, declaring the claims to be politically sponsored blackmail aimed at damaging his reputation.
Ohanaeze said its position was based on what it described as a “thorough and independent investigation,” which found no credible evidence linking Umahi to the alleged financial obligations dating back to his 2015 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Deputy President-General of Ohanaeze, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, alleged that the accusations were part of a calculated plot to distract the minister from his official duties.
Ohanaeze said the allegations “constitute a politically motivated campaign of blackmail, orchestrated by a cabal seeking to undermine the Minister’s reputation,” describing Ms Ohiri as “a willing political pawn deployed to tarnish the image of a respected Igbo leader.”
The group disclosed that it began investigating the matter in 2025 after the allegations resurfaced and invited Ohiri to provide documentary evidence, including receipts, contracts, and other materials, to support her claim that she was owed money for supplying electoral materials.
However, Ohanaeze said Ohiri allegedly failed to provide any proof despite repeated invitations.
“Her refusal to cooperate with our investigation, despite repeated pleas and assurances of fairness, strongly suggests the absence of any credible basis for her claims,” the statement said.
Ohanaeze further claimed that attempts to resolve the matter through traditional mediation were unsuccessful, accusing Ohiri of resorting instead to the media to publicise the allegations.
The organisation said the strategy was “designed to harass and blackmail Senator Umahi, leveraging misinformation for ulterior political motives.”
While noting that the Nigerian Police are conducting a separate investigation into the matter, Ohanaeze said its findings were clear.
“We stand firm in our assertion that these accusations are baseless, unfounded, and represent a blatant attempt to smear Senator Umahi’s integrity,” the group said.
Consequently, Ohanaeze declared that Umahi had no case to answer and urged him to remain focused on his responsibilities as Minister of Works.
The group reaffirmed its support for the minister, saying he should not be distracted from “his constitutional mandate of improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure.”
The statement marks the strongest defence yet of the former Ebonyi State governor by the influential Igbo body si
nce the allegations resurfaced.
