The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has finally addressed the sexual harassment allegations recently levelled against him by an unidentified woman, dismissing the claims as baseless and mischievous.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday, February 28, the former Ebonyi State governor strongly defended his reputation, insisting that throughout his years in public service, he has maintained an unblemished record when it comes to personal conduct.
“I Owe Nobody” – Umahi Defends His Record
“I want to thank a lot of you who know me very well. I owe nobody. And of course, I presided over both men and women, and nobody ever said I harassed him or her,” Umahi stated emphatically during the press briefing.
The minister, who served as Ebonyi State governor for eight years, pointed to his track record in office as evidence of his character. “I was governor for eight years, and I did fantastic infrastructure. So nobody could come and accuse me wrongly unless the person is being mischievous,” he added.
Controversial Statement About “Chasing Women”
However, the minister’s response took an unexpected turn when he made a rather controversial statement about pursuing women. “There is nothing wrong to say, oh, you are chasing a woman. If it’s Senator Natasha that said I’m chasing her, my face would be bolder, not anyhow person that’ll accuse this handsome man of chasing her for 12 years,” Umahi declared.
This particular comment has sparked fresh reactions on social media, with many Nigerians questioning the appropriateness of the statement, especially coming from a public official addressing serious allegations.
“Social Media Distraction” – Umahi Dismisses Controversy
Umahi further downplayed the allegations, characterizing the entire controversy as merely “a social media issue.” He urged Nigerians to redirect their attention to more pressing global matters.
“It’s just for social media, but I think we can turn our attention to the war in Iran and allow Umahi to rest,” the minister said, seemingly attempting to deflect from the allegations.
Public Reactions Continue
The minister’s response, particularly his comments about “chasing women” and selecting who is worthy of pursuit, has continued to generate mixed reactions across Nigerian social media platforms. While some supporters have defended him, others have criticized what they perceive as an insensitive and inappropriate response to serious allegations.
As this story continues to develop, many Nigerians are watching closely to see if more details emerge about the specific allegations and whether any formal investigations will be initiated.
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