Natasha Urges Dialogue As Ohiri-Umahi Dispute Deepens

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for calm and dialogue over the dispute involving Tracy Ohiri and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, saying all parties should act within the law.

In a public statement issued on Friday, the Kogi Central senator urged Nigerians to avoid escalation as debate around Ohiri’s arrest continues to spread online. The matter has drawn broad attention on social media, where supporters and critics have argued over what happened and whether due process was followed.

Akpoti-Uduaghan thanked citizens who raised concerns about the incident and said civic participation remains important in a democracy. She said public vigilance should not be dismissed when allegations involve possible harassment, intimidation, or abuse of power.

“I would like to specially appreciate every Nigerian who spoke out and stood up for Tracy Nicholas Ohiri regarding her arrest in connection with the Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi,” Akpoti-Uduaghan stated.

The senator also said force must not be used to silence people who speak up, especially women. She repeated that official action should remain lawful and transparent at every stage.

“As a Senator and as a woman, I unequivocally condemn the use of force or intimidation to silence anyone especially women who speak up about harassment or any form of misconduct,” she said.

She then appealed directly to the minister to open communication with Ohiri and seek a peaceful settlement.

“I respectfully appeal to the Minister, David Umahi, to meet with Tracy in good faith and work towards resolving any issues through dialogue,” she added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said she plans to engage both sides when she returns to Abuja and stressed that justice and dignity should guide the process.

“Upon my return to Abuja, I shall seek an audience with both parties to discuss a possible resolution, as justice, dignity, and the rule of law must always guide our actions,” she affirmed.

The senator’s intervention followed a denial from Umahi, former governor of Ebonyi State, who said he did not deploy police officers against Ohiri over alleged campaign debt claims. In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, the minister described Ohiri’s claims as contradictory and incoherent.

The statement said police acted after receiving a petition from Umahi’s lawyer and proceeded under constitutional procedures to maintain order and investigate complaints. It added that officers later invited the minister to provide his own statement, alongside the arrest of Ohiri.

Public attention intensified after a video circulated online on Wednesday in which Ohiri alleged assault and non-payment for campaign materials linked to previous political activities. With competing claims now in the open, calls for accountability, transparency, and lawful handling of the case have continued.