The Minister of Regional Affairs, Uba Maigeri, has refuted allegations circulating on social media that he diverted N16.5 billion allocated for the reconstruction of the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The accusations were made by a social media user,
Abdulmumuni Imam, who also claimed that the minister was plotting to have him
arrested for criticizing the government’s handling of the project.
Imam also alleged that the minister had secretly secured a directive
authorizing the Police, Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria
Security and Civil Defence Corps , NSCDC, to detain him.
Speaking to journalists on Friday in Jalingo, the Taraba
State capital, the minister’s legal counsel, Dr Ibrahim Effiong, dismissed the
allegations as unfounded and malicious.
He expressed concern over individuals “spreading rumors they
cannot justify,” stressing that Maigeri, whom he described as “a reputable
member of the bar,” had done nothing wrong.
Effiong acknowledged that Nigerians are entitled to freedom
of expression but warned that such rights should not be misused.
“People should not use social media to run others down. If
you make serious allegations, you must also be ready to justify them when
called upon,” he said.
The counsel confirmed that the minister has taken the matter
to court in pursuit of justice, commending Maigeri and his supporters for
opting for legal redress. He urged Nigerians to exercise their freedom of
expression responsibly and in accordance with constitutional provisions.
“The matter is already before the court,” Effiong noted,
calling on Imam to appear and substantiate his claims. He added that Maigeri,
like every citizen, has the right to seek legal remedy.
“The hands of the law cannot be too short. We must know that
where your right starts, it also ends somewhere,” Effiong said.
Effiong further called for greater respect for public
officials, saying the minister’s approach to the controversy demonstrated
commendable restraint and commitment to due process.
“If all Nigerians will be like the minister, I believe
Nigeria will be a great country,” he said.
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