Minister of Regional Affairs, Uba Maigeri clears air on diverting N16.5bn Bridge Funds

The Minister of Regional Affairs, Uba Maigeri, has strongly denied claims circulating on social media that he diverted N16.5 billion meant for rebuilding the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The allegations were made by a social media user, Abdulmumuni Imam, who also accused the minister of plotting to have him arrested for criticizing the Federal Government’s handling of the bridge project. Imam further alleged that Maigeri had secretly obtained directives authorizing the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to detain him.

Addressing journalists on Friday in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, Maigeri’s legal counsel, Dr. Ibrahim Effiong, dismissed the allegations as entirely unfounded, describing them as malicious fabrications.

Effiong expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals “spreading rumors they cannot justify,” insisting that Maigeri, whom he described as “a reputable member of the bar,” had done nothing wrong.

While acknowledging that Nigerians have a constitutional right to free expression, he cautioned that such rights must not be abused.

“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,” Effiong said.

He confirmed that the minister has already taken legal action to seek redress, commending Maigeri and his supporters for choosing the path of due process. Effiong urged Nigerians to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly and within the limits of the law.

“The matter is already before the court,” he said, calling on Imam to appear and substantiate his claims. “The hands of the law cannot be too short. We must know that where your right starts, it also ends somewhere.”

Effiong also appealed for greater respect for public officials, saying the minister’s calm and lawful response to the controversy demonstrated commendable restraint.

“If all Nigerians will be like the minister, I believe Nigeria will be a great country,” he added.