Action Collective warns over the Umahi Natasha remark, urging officials to avoid comments that may trigger speculation or harm reputations

Civil society group Action Collective has advised public officials to exercise caution in their public statements following a remark by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, which referenced the name “Natasha” while responding to allegations made against him by a female vendor.

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The group raised concerns that the comment could fuel speculation among members of the public.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the National Coordinator of the group, Mr Teddy Onyejuwe, said the Umahi Natasha remark had the potential to be interpreted as referring to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who had previously spoken publicly about allegations of sexual harassment.

According to Onyejuwe, although the minister may not have intended to create such an association, the use of the name in the context of the controversy has already generated reactions among observers and supporters of the senator.

“While the Minister may not have intended to draw any direct connection, the reference to the name ‘Natasha’ in the present context could easily be interpreted by members of the public as referring to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,” the statement said.

Onyejuwe emphasised that the senator had no involvement in the matter concerning the female vendor and should not be drawn into the issue in a manner that could create misunderstanding or unnecessary public speculation.

The group therefore urged government officials and public figures to apply careful judgment when addressing sensitive matters in the public domain.

According to Action Collective, responsible and measured communication is essential in protecting the reputations of individuals who may be inadvertently referenced during ongoing controversies.

Onyejuwe added that public confidence in leadership depends heavily on how officials communicate during periods of heightened scrutiny.

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He stressed that issues involving serious allegations require decorum, restraint and sensitivity in order to prevent the spread of misinformation and avoid unintended reputational damage.