The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has unequivocally dismissed recent allegations against the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made by Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri.

The organisation described the allegations as politically motivated and labelled them a calculated campaign of blackmail aimed at tarnishing the minister’s esteemed reputation.

In a statement signed by the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, it outlined findings from a thorough investigation into Ms. Ohiri’s claims, which revealed that her accusations lack credible evidence and are rooted in a politically charged agenda intended to distract Senator Umahi from his essential duties as a public servant.

Mazi Isiguzoro criticised the use of Ms. Ohiri as a political pawn to undermine a respected Igbo leader. He emphasised that the decision to clear Senator Umahi was based on solid and irrefutable evidence. Following the initial emergence of Ms. Ohiri’s allegations in 2025, Ohanaeze Ndigbo took the initiative to conduct an independent investigation, driven by a commitment to truth and reconciliation within the Igbo community.

In 2023, Ohanaeze extended multiple invitations to Ms. Ohiri, urging her to present comprehensive documentation, including contracts and receipts, to validate her claims regarding outstanding financial obligations linked to the supply of electoral materials during Senator Umahi’s gubernatorial campaign in Ebonyi State in 2015. Unfortunately, Ms. Ohiri consistently failed to provide the necessary evidence throughout the investigative process.

“The refusal to cooperate with our inquiries raises serious questions regarding the credibility of her allegations,” stated Mr. Isiguzoro. He expressed the organisation’s disappointment over Ms. Ohiri’s avoidance of conflict resolution channels traditionally employed within the Igbo culture, highlighting her preference for leveraging media outlets to spread unverified claims.

In light of the ongoing controversy, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has invited the Nigerian police to conduct their investigations into Ms. Ohiri’s allegations. Nonetheless, the organisation firmly asserts that these accusations against Senator Umahi are unfounded and represent a blatant attempt to smear his integrity.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo has exonerated Senator Umahi of any wrongdoing, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the image and dignity of its leaders against baseless attacks.