In a coordinated show of solidarity, four women led organisations on Sunday, 1st March, 2026, publicly defended the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, urging Nigerians to allow the courts, not social media, determine the truth of the allegations made by Mrs Tracy Nicholas Ohiri.
At a joint press conference in Abuja, Women Advocates for Responsible Governance, (WARG), Women for Justice and Institutional Integrity (WJII), Coalition of Patriotic Nigerian Women (CPNW), and National Women Alliance for Rule of Law (NWARL9, dismissed what they described as unsubstantiated claims lacking documentary backing. The groups insisted that serious accusations must be subjected to judicial scrutiny rather than amplified through viral videos.
Dr Amina Yusuf, National President of WARG, set the tone by stressing that governance should not be destabilized by claims that fail basic commercial tests. She argued that a ₦24.5 million transaction allegedly conducted in 2015 would ordinarily leave a paper trail, including written agreements, invoices, delivery confirmations, and financial approvals.
She questioned why nearly a decade had passed without documented legal action if the claim were valid, noting that emotional appeals cannot substitute for evidence.
Echoing that position, Hajia Halimat Bello of WJII emphasized that justice is built on proof, not passion.
She stated that institutional credibility demands discipline and procedure, adding that commercial transactions of such magnitude do not occur without documentation. She urged that any aggrieved party present evidence before a competent court rather than relying on public sentiment.
From the standpoint of national interest, Mrs Folake Adeyemi of CPNW described the allegation as inconsistent with normal business practice.
She said it was implausible that a multi million naira supply would proceed without written agreement, advance payment, arbitration, or legal notice for nearly ten years.
She warned that distractions rooted in unproven claims could undermine focus at a time when critical infrastructure projects are underway.
Representing NWARL, Dr Grace Onuoha addressed the constitutional dimension of the matter. She cautioned that democracy suffers when social media platforms assume the role of judge and jury.
According to her, public officials remain accountable, but accountability must follow established legal pathways. She called for claims to be filed formally, evidence to be submitted, and judicial authorities to determine the facts.
Collectively, the organisations stated that their intervention was not about personalities but about protecting due process and the presumption of innocence.
They urged Nigerians to resist trial by public outrage and to uphold the rule of law.
As discussions continue online, the message from the women groups was direct and unambiguous, allegations must be proven through lawful channels, not performed before cameras.