By Nkechi Eze
A man who previously accused Nigeria’s Minister of Works of owing him money has publicly retracted his claims and apologised after investigations established that the allegation was false.
Obinna Ude Nkama issued the apology to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and the general public after earlier circulating a video on social media alleging that the minister owed him ₦7 million for a job he claimed to have executed.
The allegation, which surfaced online around the same period a similar claim was made by another individual identified as Mrs. Tracy, gained traction on social media despite the absence of verifiable evidence.
However, in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works on Media, Francis Nwaze, it was clarified that a thorough verification and investigation of the claims showed that Nkama never had any contractual engagement with the minister.
According to the statement, the findings confirmed that Umahi was not indebted to Nkama in any form.
Following the clarification, Nkama released another video in which he publicly withdrew the allegation and apologised for his earlier comments.
“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.
He further stated that the minister does not owe him any money and appealed for forgiveness.
“My leader, most distinguished Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, I wish to clarify that the Honourable Minister is not owing me directly. I hereby wish to apologise publicly and to 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,” he said.
Nkama also stressed that the apology was voluntary and not made under pressure.
“This video is not done out of duress, pressure or request from anyone. On behalf of my family, wife and well-wishers, I publicly apologise and should I renege in any form in this matter, I ask my leader to go to court without notice,” he added.
The development has prompted a call for greater caution in the way information is shared on social media, with the minister’s media office urging members of the public to verify claims before circulating them.
The statement noted that not every allegation trending online reflects the truth, stressing that responsible public discourse requires patience, verification and fairness.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Works continues to focus on his national assignment of transforming Nigeria’s road infrastructure under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
