The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has denied allegations of harassment levelled against him by a woman, describing the claims as “baseless” and “mischievous.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the former Ebonyi State governor said his public record contradicts the allegations, stressing that no such complaint had been made against him during his years in leadership.
“I thank God for those who know me. I was a party chairman for years and presided over men and women. I owed nobody,” Mr Umahi said. “The same thing applied when I became deputy governor and governor for eight years. Nobody ever said I harassed her, except the person is being mischievous.”
Questioning the credibility of the accusation, the minister argued that it was inconsistent with his character and reputation. He dismissed claims that he had pursued the woman over a prolonged period, describing such assertions as exaggerated and implausible.
“There is nothing wrong to say that you’re chasing a woman, but not anyhow person will accuse this handsome man of chasing her for twelve years. Then that person must be the Queen of England,” he said.
Mr Umahi also rejected claims that he is under surveillance or that his communications could be easily monitored, insisting that his phone lines are secure.
“My phone is highly classified. When your number isn’t stored, I won’t even know you’re calling me. If you send a message, it doesn’t get to me,” he stated.
Linking the allegations to political motives, the minister said the claims were part of early manoeuvring ahead of future electoral activities.
“I didn’t know that politics has started. But when the whistle is blown by Independent National Electoral Commission, they will know the stuff we are ready for. This is entirely politics,” he added.
The allegations have continued to generate public debate, but the minister maintains that they are unfounded and politically driven.