Minister of Works, David Umahi, has criticised popular Nigerian socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, over his frequent “Money na water” remarks, questioning the extent of his wealth and what he has done to support others.
In a video shared online by @ChuksEricE, Umahi challenged the businessman to demonstrate the impact of his wealth through scholarships and other philanthropic activities.
The minister’s remarks followed an earlier criticism by Cubana Chief Priest, who described him as the second-worst minister the South-East region had produced, accusing him of failing to deliver meaningful development to the region despite his position as Minister of Works.
Responding to the socialite’s comments, Umahi questioned his frequent public declarations about money, arguing that some of Nigeria’s wealthiest businessmen, including Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola and Abdul Samad Rabiu, rarely boast about their financial status.
He said, “You are becoming very noisy. Every time, money na water. How much do you think you have?
“Have you ever seen Dangote, Otedola or BUA saying they have money? Money speaks for itself.
“Every time, money na water with your small bar business. What have you done with the money? How many people are on scholarship through you?
“You are just becoming very loud.”
Umahi also called for a return to their previous strategy, saying, “We should go back to our strategy.”
Cubana Chief Priest had earlier taken a swipe at Umahi over his performance as Minister of Works, claiming the South-East had little to show for having one of its indigenes occupy the position.
He also called on President Bola Tinubu to replace ministers he considered ineffective.
Describing Umahi as the second-worst minister the region had produced, the socialite said, “The second to worst minister South-East ever had. We have nothing to show for it as a region that had minister of works.
“The worst minister na my sister from Imo State. That one na fluke of a minister.
“Asiwaju, you gats change these failures of ministers for us. The one from my state can’t even get 1k votes for Asiwaju.”
The exchange has renewed public attention on the two personalities, with Umahi questioning the socialite’s public display of wealth and Cubana Chief Priest challenging the minister’s record on infrastructure development in the South-East.
