Umahi: Setting The Record Straight On Recent Issues Surrounding Mrs Tracy Ohiri’s Matter

The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has been drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, particularly as they relate to her lawyer, Barr. Marshall Abubakar. Ordinarily, we would have ignored this, but it has become necessary, in the interest of truth and public clarity, to address these issues directly.

First, it is important to clarify that Barr. Marshall Abubakar acted in good faith and was motivated solely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri. His involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably.

At no time did Barr. Marshall discuss or negotiate payment of any money to Mrs. Ohiri. However, some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Minister had clearly stated two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue should be determined in court, or Mrs. Ohiri should provide verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her claims.

It must also be emphasized that Barr. Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout. He neither requested nor received any money from the Honourable Minister at any point.

Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established.

The Minister further acknowledged that he had indicated to Barr. Marshall that if Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1b). The Minister is still waiting for the above.

It is also worth noting that for several years, the Minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks. This restraint was deliberate and guided by a commitment to focus on state and national service rather than distractions. However, recent developments have made it necessary to respond.

The Honourable Minister therefore extends sincere appreciation to Nigerians who have taken their time to examine the facts and arrive at an informed understanding of the situation. There is growing awareness that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and that, in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted.

Umahi

The Honourable Minister remains fully committed to his mandate. He will not be distracted from the ongoing work of delivering critical road infrastructure across the country. The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development.

We assure Nigerians that this administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Urges Muslims To Uphold Ramadan Virtues

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu urges Muslims to uphold Ramadan virtues. He said Eid-el-Fitri was reminder of the enduring values taught during Ramadan.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said this on Saturday at the Eid-el-Fitr celebration organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, at Lagos House, Ikeja.

The programme had the theme “Living Every Second of Life for the Hereafter.”

The governor was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

He said that Eid-el-Fitr was not only a celebration marking the successful completion of fasting, but also a reminder of the enduring values taught during Ramadan.

“Today, we gather in gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the strength and grace to complete the holy month of Ramadan, a period of sacrifice, reflection, charity, and renewed devotion. Eid-el-Fitr is also a powerful reminder that Ramadan teaches us compassion for one another, discipline, humility, and generosity to those in need.

“These virtues are essential not only to our faith, but also to the continued progress and harmony of our state.

“As a government, we remain committed to building a society where peace, unity, and shared prosperity prevail,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged Muslims to carry the spirit of Ramadan beyond the festive period and continue to support one another in the interest of justice, peace, and development.

“I encourage all my Muslim brothers and sisters and residents today to carry the spirit of Ramadan beyond today.

“We must continue to support one another, uphold justice, and work together for the development of our dear state. Let this blessed occasion strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among us and inspire renewed hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future.

“On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, I warmly wish all of us Eid Mubarak.

“May Allah accept our prayers, our fasting, and our acts of charity; and may Allah continue to bless our dear state and nation,” he said.

In her welcome address, the wife of the governor, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan.

She urged them to remain conscious of their purpose on earth by living a life of service, kindness, and devotion to God.

She said the celebration was an opportunity not only for merriment, but also for sober reflection on the lessons of Ramadan and the need to remain steadfast in doing good.

“We give all praise and gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the grace to witness this joyous celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

“While today is a day of celebration, it is also a moment for deep reflection. Eid-el-Fitr reminds us of the virtues of sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and generosity; values we have all embraced throughout the Ramadan period,” she said.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu commended the Ministry of Home Affairs, led by the Commissioner, Ibrahim Layode, for organising what she described as a remarkable gathering that brought together people of faith, leaders, and members of the community in unity and shared purpose.

She said the theme of the event underscored the need for residents to live every moment intentionally, bearing in mind that life is transient and that every act of kindness and service to humanity carries eternal significance.

“As captured in the theme for this event, ‘Living Every Second of Life for the Hereafter,’ we are reminded that the clock is ticking. Every day that we live, let us always remember to do good to fellow human beings. Let us not forget our reason for being on this earth.

“This theme calls us to live consciously and purposefully.

“It reminds us that our actions, kindness, service to humanity, and commitment to peace shape not only our society, but also our eternal reward,” she said.

The governor’s wife also called on Lagos residents to continue to show love to one another, support the less privileged, and promote peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural divides.

Lagos Government

“In a time when the world continues to face various challenges, the lessons of Ramadan provide us with a guiding light.

“Our strength is rooted in our rich diversity, mutual respect, and shared commitment to collective progress.

“It is not only the government; all of us are stakeholders in Lagos State.

“We must continue to nurture harmony within our communities and uphold the values that unite us as one people,” she said.

She prayed to Allah to accept the prayers, sacrifices, and acts of charity, and grant them abundant blessings, peace, and fulfilment.

Ridwannuallah Jamiu, Imam of Lekki Central Mosque, delivered an Eid lecture entitled “Fulfilling the Pre-Existence Covenant: The Quranic Roadmap.” He emphasised the need for Muslims to remain steadfast in obedience to Allah, uphold righteousness, and align their daily conduct with divine injunctions as a pathway to success in this world and the hereafter.

The special adviser to the governor on religion, Abdullah Jebe, offered prayers for Lagos State, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as market men and women across the state for Allah’s protection and blessings.

Mr Layode thanked participants for honouring the invitation and urged them to sustain the spiritual lessons of Ramadan.

“As we depart, let us go with renewed faith, deeper love for one another, and a stronger commitment to peace and service to humanity.

“May the blessings of Eid remain with us, and may Almighty Allah continue to guide and prosper Lagos State. Eid Mubarak to you all,” Mr Layode said.

Governor Alia Directs Benue Appointees Seeking Elective Offices To Resign By March 30

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue state, has directed political appointees in his administration aspiring to elective offices in the 2027 elections to resign by March 30.

According to Tersoo Kula, the chief press secretary (CPS) to the governor, Alia gave the directive on Wednesday while hosting Muslim faithful to an Iftar at the new banquet hall of the government house in Makurdi.

He said the directive is aimed at sustaining the pace of development in the state, adding that early resignation by affected appointees would allow the administration to appoint replacements and maintain continuity in governance.

The governor urged residents of the state to support his administration in advancing development initiatives.
“I invite all people of good conscience to join hands with me so that we can make Benue a place that attracts everybody,” he said.

Alia said ongoing infrastructure projects and improved welfare for civil servants reflect progress in the state.

“When you see earthmoving machines working on our hitherto dilapidated roads, that is development,” he said.

“When you see civil servants going to work and closing happily, that is development.”

The governor said he remains committed to fulfilling his promises to the people of Benue.

Governor Alia

“I have started, I am midway and I am more determined to do more because that was my covenant with the Benue people,” he said.

“I cannot tender apologies to anyone because I am developing Benue State. My covenant was with the people of Benue State.”

“My attention is on how to make them happy. How to rewrite the story of the state for good. Therefore, nothing can deter me; nobody can frustrate me to abandon this.”

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu directed all political appointees in his administration seeking to contest elective offices in the 2027 elections to resign before March 31.