Minister Uba Maigari Denies Diverting ₦16.5bn For Taraba Bridge Construction

The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari, has denied claims that he diverted ₦16.5 billion allocated for rebuilding the collapsed Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Speaking in Jalingo, the state capital, through his lawyer Ibrahim Effiong, the minister called the allegations false and intentionally misleading.

Effiong said Maigari has filed a lawsuit against social media activist Abdulmumuni Imam, who is behind the claims.

He noted that despite the serious accusations, Imam has not provided any proof and is reportedly avoiding public scrutiny.

The lawyer added that making unverified claims online is a violation of both the Nigerian constitution and the Cybercrime Act.

He said pursuing legal action is necessary to discourage the spread of false and harmful information on social media.

Imam had claimed on his social media accounts that Uba Maigari obtained a security order instructing the police, DSS, and civil defence to arrest him because of his criticism of government delays in repairing the Namnai Bridge.

He also alleged that the Federal Executive Council had approved ₦16.5 billion for the bridge’s emergency reconstruction.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Senate recently confirmed former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (rtd), as the country’s new Minister of Defence.