₦7m Debt Claim Collapses as Man Apologizes to Umahi, Admits Allegation Was False
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
A man who accused Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi of owing him ₦7 million has publicly retracted his claim and apologized, admitting that the allegation was misleading and made out of frustration.
Chief Obinna Ude Nkama, who had earlier circulated a viral video on social media accusing the minister of failing to pay him for a purported job has now confessed that the claim was false and that the former governor of Ebonyi State never owed him any money.
In a fresh video released on Sunday, Ude tendered an unreserved apology to Umahi and the general public, acknowledging that his earlier outburst was driven by anger and personal frustration rather than facts.
“I am Chief Obinna Ude Nkama who made a derogatory post that has been trending over the malicious outburst I made against my leader out of anger and frustration,” he said in the video.
“My leader, most distinguished Senator Engr. David Umahi, I wish to clarify that the Honourable Minister is not owing me directly. I hereby wish to apologize publicly and ask His Excellency, Senator David Umahi, to forgive me. I plead never to do that again because Senator Umahi is a man of high integrity and a very good man.”
Ude further emphasized that the apology was voluntary and not made under pressure from any individual or authority.
“This video is not done out of duress, pressure, or request from anyone,” he said, adding that he was speaking on behalf of his family and well-wishers in seeking forgiveness from the minister.
The controversy began when Ude posted a video online alleging that Umahi owed him ₦7 million for work he claimed to have executed. Around the same period, another individual, identified as Mrs. Tracy, also circulated a similar allegation on social media. Both claims quickly gained traction online despite lacking verifiable evidence.
However, a review of the matter later established that Ude had no contractual engagement with the minister and that no financial obligation existed between them.
Reacting to the development, the minister’s media office urged members of the public to exercise caution when consuming and sharing information on social media, warning that trending allegations are not always rooted in truth.
The statement, signed by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, emphasized that Umahi remains focused on his national assignment of transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
According to the statement, the minister continues to pursue the mandate given to him by President Bala Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that his public service record has consistently reflected discipline, integrity, and accountability.
