Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, has come under intense fire following a controversial statement addressing allegations against him, in which he brought Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan into the conversation.
In a video circulating on social media, which Securitynewsalert.com sighted, Umahi sought to dismiss criticisms by comparing his standards to those of his accusers, specifically referencing Senator Natasha, who is married to Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan.
“I owe nobody,” Umahi stated in the viral clip. “If it’s Senator Natasha that said I’m chasing her, my face would be bolder, not an anyhow person that’ll accuse this handsome man of chasing her for 12 years. Please turn your attention to the war in Iran.”
The comments immediately caused a firestorm of backlash on X-Space, with Nigerians slamming the Minister for being “disrespectful,” “irresponsible,” and for sexualising a female colleague.
Many commentators interpreted Umahi’s remarks as a confession of a personal attraction to the Senator.
In contrast, others argued that such comments validate previous allegations of sexual harassment within the Nigerian political sphere.
Ubong Abia offered a critical analysis of the statement: “He is not sexualising Natasha. He is saying that Senator Natasha is beautiful and of his standard. That this woman accusing him is ugly and below his level. Well, as a married man, he shouldn’t have said that.”
Others were less analytical and more condemnatory. Chigozie wrote, “This inappropriate comment coming from a former governor, now a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, should be condemned. This is the kind of people masquerading as our representatives and leaders.”
The mention of Senator Natasha, who is married, prompted calls for her husband to take legal action to protect her reputation.
Osaro, PhD, CSU, remarked: “If I were Senator Natasha, a married woman and Senator of the Federal Republic, I would sue you immediately for this disgraceful attempt to drag my name into your scandal and sexualise a serious allegation of harassment.”
Chukwuemeka echoed this sentiment, demanding a formal apology: “This imbecile called David Umahi should tender an unreserved apology to Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan and her husband for dragging their name into the mud. He is shamelessly admitting that he has his eyes on someone’s wife.”
Beyond the personal comments about Senator Natasha, Nigerians expressed fury at Umahi’s attempt to pivot attention to international conflicts while domestic issues, such as insecurity and economic hardship, persist.
Prince commented on the mindset of the leadership: “Look at the kind of mindset we have in leadership. That is someone’s wife, for crying out loud… Then he goes on to say, ‘let’s focus on the war in Iran.’ My God, these men are inbred fools.”
Civilian Captain described the scenario as “pathetic,” arguing that the remark only fuels concerns about the safety and respect of women in Nigerian politics.
