By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Saturday launched a blistering rebuttal to allegations swirling across social media, dismissing them as mischief and political distraction while boldly doubling down on what he described as his “fantastic” record in public office.
Speaking during an inspection tour of major federal infrastructure projects across the South East, the former Ebonyi State governor confronted claims circulating online by one TracyNither Ohiri and he did not mince words.
“I owe nobody,” Umahi declared emphatically. “As party chairman, I presided over both men and women. Nobody ever said I harassed him or her. Nobody.”
The Minister, who served as Deputy Governor and later Governor for eight years before his current national assignment, insisted his public service record remains unblemished.
“I was deputy governor, governor for eight years, and I did fantastic in infrastructure. So nobody could come and say he’s been owed unless the person is being mischievous,” he said.
Far from appearing rattled, Umahi projected defiance, saying he has weathered fiercer storms in his political career.
“What you read in social media, I’m not worried about it. It makes me stronger. I’ve fought many battles so this is nothing,” he added.
Observers at the inspection noted that the Minister maintained a calm composure throughout his remarks, even injecting humour into the controversy.
In a moment that drew laughter from aides and contractors at the project site, Umahi scoffed at the credibility of the allegations.
“There’s nothing wrong to say you are chasing a woman,” he quipped, “but not anyhow person that will accuse this handsome man of chasing her for twelve years. That person must be the Queen of England. So, it’s just to make social media to be alive.”
The comment, though light-hearted, underscored his insistence that the claims lack substance.
Yet beneath the banter lay a pointed message: the Works Minister says he will not allow what he termed online sensationalism to derail critical national assignments.
“I think we can turn our attention to the war in Iran now and then allow David Umahi to focus on his job,” he said, shifting focus back to governance.
Saturday’s project inspections formed part of ongoing federal efforts to accelerate delivery of strategic highways and bridges in the South East corridor projects Umahi has repeatedly described as non-negotiable pillars of economic integration.
For now, the Minister appears determined to stay the course dismissing the noise, defending his name, and leaning into performance as his shield.
Whether the controversy fades or festers, one thing is clear: David Umahi is not backing down.
