The Ministry of Works has fired back at activist Omoyele Sowore, labelling a viral video of a confrontation between him and Minister David Umahi at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters as a “staged spectacle” and “performative activism.”
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, saw Sowore confront the Minister over the arrest of Mrs Tracy Ohiri. Ohiri has publicly accused the Minister of assault and failing to pay for campaign materials, claims the Ministry insists are “inconsistent and contradictory.”
In a statement released by the Minister’s Media Office, which was seen by Securitynewsalert.com, Senior Special Assistant Francis Nwaze clarified that the Minister’s presence at the police headquarters was not a display of power, but a response to legal protocol.
“The Honourable Minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score,” Nwaze stated. “The Nigeria Police Force… acted on a petition submitted by the Minister’s lawyer, arrested [Mrs. Ohiri], and invited the Honourable Minister in line with standard procedure for statements.”
The Ministry maintains that the allegations brought by Ohiri have been in the public domain since last year and lack the coherence necessary for a credible legal challenge.
The viral video captured Sowore attempting to provoke the Minister, an act the Ministry describes as a calculated attempt to gain social media traction rather than seek justice.
According to the official response, Minister Umahi intentionally chose not to engage with the activist during the encounter:
“Mr Sowore’s attempt to dramatise this lawful process… is a familiar pattern of performative activism. The Honourable Minister, consistent with his character and respect for due process, declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged.”
The Ministry concluded by emphasising that the matter is now officially under police investigation. They urged the public to distinguish between genuine activism and “indiscriminate attacks” on public officials.
“Activism is about integrity, balance, and a genuine commitment to justice without prejudice,” the statement read. “The Minister will continue to respect institutional processes and will not be distracted by calculated provocations.”
