March 31, (THEWILL) – The apex Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has given Ms Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri a forty-eight(48) hour ultimatum to produce evidence of sexual allegations levied against the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.
A statement released on Monday, in Abakaliki, and signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Thompson Ohia, Deputy President General and Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo respectively, said should she fail to comply with the demand, she will incur severe penalties pursuant to Igbo traditional norms.
According to the release, Ohanaeze would take stringent penalties, including legal action and traditional sanctions, on any individual who conspires to publicly ridicule Igbo leaders.
The statement reads: “The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-cultural organisation representing the interests of the Igbo people, finds it imperative to address and categorically dismiss the unfounded sexual allegations directed against Senator David Umahi.
“We unequivocally assert that these accusations are laughable fabrications, insidiously crafted as a vehicle for cheap blackmail, with intent to obstruct the commendable contributions made by the Minister of Works towards national infrastructure development.
“In light of these developments, we call upon Ms Tracynither Nicholas Ohiri, the individual who has initiated these allegations, to present all substantive evidence to support her claims to the Igbo leadership within a period of 48 hours.
“Should she fail to comply with this demand, she will incur severe penalties pursuant to our traditional norms. Furthermore, Ms Ohiri must disclose the identities of those who have incited her actions and tender a full, unreserved apology to Senator Umahi for the egregious harm it has caused to his esteemed reputation.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the claims posited by Ms Ohiri, specifically regarding her assertion of a debt amounting to 200 million naira related to the supply of electioneering promotional materials during Senator Umahi’s bid for the gubernatorial position in Ebonyi State back in 2014.
“The apparent silence of Ms Ohiri over a span of eleven years (2014-2025) raises pressing inquiries: Why has she avoided engaging with law enforcement or pursuing judicial recourse if she genuinely seeks justice? Such inaction prompts scepticism regarding whether she is operating from a place of personal vendetta against Senator Umahi or is merely acting as a pawn in a larger political machination orchestrated by opposing forces.
“The organisation strongly urges Senator David Umahi to remain steadfast and resolute in fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities as the Minister of Works. Ohanaeze Ndigbo unequivocally rejects the notion that blackmailers shall be permitted to tarnish the reputations of our dedicated and principled political leaders, especially when we collectively regard Senator Umahi as a beacon of hope for the Igbo nation.
“We, hereby, announce that more stringent penalties, including legal action and traditional sanctions, will be applied to any individual who conspires to publicly ridicule our leaders.
“This course of action is not merely a punitive measure; it is an essential deterrent against those who might allow themselves to be manipulated by adversaries of the Igbo people, thereby jeopardising the ongoing infrastructural renewal and rehabilitation of essential federal roads across the Southeast.
“Furthermore, we are privy to credible information indicating that certain Northern opposition politicians, in collusion with internal Igbo collaborators, are actively supporting Ms Ohiri’s attempts to malign Senator Umahi’s character.
“Therefore, upon the expiration of our 48-hour ultimatum, should Ms Ohiri fail to provide the required evidence supporting her allegations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will take decisive steps to impose the necessary consequences against her.
“In conclusion, let it be emphatically stated that the integrity and valour of our leadership will not be compromised. As the Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains resolute in its defence of Senator David Umahi, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguard the honour of our leaders and the interests of our people from the scourge of baseless slander and malicious attacks”, it concluded.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
