ABAKALIKI, Ebonyi State, Nigeria – Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has come under scrutiny following online videos and social media posts alleged to have been circulated by Mrs Tracy Ohiri, according to the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO). The organisation claims the content aims to undermine the minister and question his handling of national infrastructure initiatives.
In a statement signed by NYO President Okorie C. Okorie and Secretary Oluwabukunmi Awolola, the group noted that the videos contained inconsistent claims about funds supposedly owed to Mrs Ohiri, citing figures of ₦25,000,000 (about $32,000) and ₦250,000,000 (about $320,000), and timelines ranging from three to twelve years. The NYO described the publications as largely incoherent and misleading.
The youth organisation condemned the alleged online attacks, describing them as reckless and unsubstantiated. It emphasised that freedom of expression should not be used to defame public officials who are engaged in national development efforts.
The NYO also raised concerns about the timing and pattern of the publications, questioning whether they were spontaneous opinions or part of a coordinated campaign to divert attention from ongoing infrastructure reforms. It urged Nigerians to verify information before accepting it as fact.
Praising Minister Umahi’s efforts, the organisation cited measurable progress in road construction and rehabilitation projects nationwide. It further called on relevant authorities to investigate the sources and intent behind the videos to determine if they represent a planned digital campaign against the minister.
The NYO stressed that any claims or grievances should be addressed through proper judicial channels and warned against attempts to pressure the minister into extrajudicial payments.