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Women Groups Rally Behind Umahi, Insist Allegations Must Be Tested In Court
Cyril Ogar
Four women-led advocacy groups have called for strict adherence to the rule of law in addressing the allegations circulating against the Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, insisting that the matter should be resolved through proper judicial channels rather than through social media campaigns.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, 1st March, 2026, the organisations, 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, NWARL, collectively maintained that the accusations attributed to Mrs Tracy Nicholas Ohiri lack verifiable documentation and must be tested before a competent court.
Addressing journalists, the National President of WARG, Dr. Amina Yusuf, was reported to have expressed concern that unsubstantiated claims were being amplified in a manner capable of undermining governance. She reportedly stated that the issue was not about silencing any individual but about ensuring that serious allegations are backed by credible evidence. According to her, a ₦24.5 million transaction allegedly dating back to 2015 would ordinarily be supported by contracts, invoices, delivery acknowledgements, and traceable financial records.
She was quoted as questioning why, nearly a decade later, there appears to be no formal demand letter, civil action, or documented effort at recovery if the claim was genuine, stressing that public discourse must not replace legal procedure.
Similarly, the Executive Director of WJII, Hajia Halimat Bello, was said to have emphasized that institutional integrity depends on proof and process. She reportedly argued that commercial transactions of such magnitude cannot exist without documentation and challenged the claimant to present procurement records or evidence of civil recovery steps if the supply truly occurred.
The groups further cautioned against emotional narratives overshadowing legal standards, warning that sensational approaches risk eroding public trust in legitimate complaints.
Speaking for the CPNW, Mrs. Folake Adeyemi reportedly described the allegation as inconsistent with established commercial practice, noting that it would be unusual for a multi-million naira supply to remain undocumented and unlitigated for nearly ten years. She was said to have added that if the matter were purely about debt recovery, the appropriate legal remedies would have been pursued long ago.
On her part, Dr. Grace Onuoha, representing NWARL, reportedly drew attention to the broader democratic implications, stating that accountability must operate within the confines of lawful procedure. She was quoted as urging parties to file claims, present evidence, and allow the courts to determine the facts, warning against what she described as verdicts delivered in the court of public opinion.
Collectively, the four organisations reiterated that their stance was guided by principle rather than personality. They affirmed the presumption of innocence and underscored the need for due process in matters involving public officials.
They called on Nigerians to refrain from what they termed trial by ambush and to allow competent judicial institutions to examine the claims thoroughly.
The groups maintained that allegations, however serious, must ultimately be proven in court, not adjudicated through viral content.
News
FG Targets 50,000 Youths for Digital Jobs, Deepens Partnerships for Nationwide Empowerment Drive
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a media interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined a renewed policy direction focused on measurable impact, transparency, and large-scale youth engagement.
At the core of this effort, he explained, is a landmark partnership with the Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, targeting the training of 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.
The Minister noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified and job-ready youths within the first six months of implementation.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture. He added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.
He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry has introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.” He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.
During the interview, the Honourable Minister said:“We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.”
“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.”
“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.”
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the Ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.
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