“Umahi Is Owing Me N7Million, I’ll Soon Go After Him” — Contractor Alleges Unpaid Hotel Contract

A businessman, Chief Obinna, has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of failing to pay N7 million for a contract allegedly executed at a hotel in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

In a video uploaded by Sahara Reporters, Obinna said the debt relates to work carried out at Osborn La Palma Hotel, which he described as belonging to the minister. The hotel is located in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

“I am accusing the Honourable Minister of Works of indebtedness to the tune of N7 million for a job that was done for him in his hotel in Abakaliki,” Obinna said in the video.

He claimed he was engaged for a “small contract job” at the facility and that the agreed payment remains outstanding. Obinna added that he and Umahi were classmates in secondary school, but said the relationship did not influence the outcome of the contract.

According to him, he initially chose not to make the matter public but would now take further steps if the money is not paid. He also stated that he intends to report himself to the police as part of actions he plans to take over the alleged debt.

The minister has not publicly responded to the allegation as of the time of this report.

The accusation follows a separate dispute involving Umahi and Dr. Jackie Ikeotuonye, Chief Executive Officer of Andrew Bishopton Limited, who has also raised concerns over alleged unpaid consultancy fees linked to funds recovered for Ebonyi State.

No official statement has been issued by the Ministry of Works regarding Obinna’s claim.