Contractor Accuses Minister Umahi of N7 Million Debt Over Hotel Job

A contractor, Chief Obinna, has publicly accused the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, of owing him N7 million for a contract executed at the minister’s hotel in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

In a video that surfaced online, Chief Obinna alleged that the debt pertains to work carried out at Osborn La Palma Hotel, located in the Ebonyi State capital. He claimed that despite a longstanding personal relationship with the minister dating back to their secondary school days, he has not been paid.

Expressing frustration, Obinna said he was left with a “sad taste” from his dealings with Umahi and his team. He noted that while he is hesitant to publicly embarrass the minister, the outstanding sum must be settled.

“I am Chief Obinna, accusing the Honourable Minister of Works, Engineer Dave Umahi, of indebtedness to the tune of 7 million naira for a job that was done for him in his hotel at Abakaliki,” he said in the video.

“Everybody was aware when I was engaged in that small contract job. But my experiences with Dave Umahi and his people left a very sad taste in my mouth. Not minding the fact that he was my classmate in Government Secondary School, he treated me badly. I don’t want to expose him further.”

He warned that he would escalate the matter if the payment was not forthcoming, adding that he intends to report to the police to formally document his complaint.

“But let it be on record that he is still owing me 7 million naira and I need that money. I’ll soon go for him,” Obinna stated.

The allegation comes amid another controversy involving the minister. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Dr. Jackie Ikeotuonye, CEO of Andrew Bishopton Limited, accused Umahi of betrayal and intimidation following a dispute over consultancy fees.

Ikeotuonye’s firm was engaged by the Ebonyi State Government in 2015 to reconcile and recover excess deductions on foreign loans. The firm successfully identified over $119 million in alleged over-deductions. However, Ikeotuonye claims the relationship turned hostile after a dispute over agreed consultancy fees, leading to her arrest and alleged harassment.

As of the time of this report, the Minister of Works has not issued an official response to the fresh allegations made by Chief Obinna.