Chief Obinna Ude Nkama has retracted his earlier allegation that the Minister of Works, David Umahi, owed him the sum of ₦7 million, describing the claim as misleading and made out of frustration.
Ude had earlier posted a video on social media alleging that the minister was indebted to him for a job he claimed to have executed. The video surfaced around the same period a similar allegation was made by another individual, Mrs. Tracy, and both claims circulated widely online.
However, following what was described as a thorough verification of the matter, it was established that Ude had no contractual engagement with the minister and that Umahi was not indebted to him.
In a new video released on Sunday, Ude publicly apologized to the minister and the general public, admitting that his earlier statement was false.
“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.
He clarified that the minister does not owe him any money and appealed for forgiveness.
“My leader, most distinguished Senator Engr. David Umahi, I wish to clarify that the honourable minister is not owing me directly. I hereby apologize publicly and ask His Excellency to forgive me. I plead never to do that again because Senator Umahi is a man of high integrity and a very good man,” he added.
Ude also stated that his apology was not made under pressure or coercion and warned that if he ever returns to the allegation, the minister should feel free to seek legal redress.
Reacting in a statement on Monday, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, urged the public to verify information before sharing it on social media.
According to him, Umahi remains focused on his assignment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to transform Nigeria’s road infrastructure as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.