Bridge Funds Allegations
After the reconstruction of the Namnai Bridge in Taraba State allegations about the use of the bridge funds have become the focus of people’s attention following a claim on social media accusing the Minister of Regional Affairs, Uba Maigeri of diverting N16.5 billion out of the total amount allocated for the project.
The statements that were made available online earlier this week have led discussions on transparency and public accountability.
The accusations have been made by a social media commentator, Abdulmumuni Imam. He charged the minister with the misappropriation of funds intended for the collapse of Namnai Bridge in Gassol Local Government Area.
In addition, Imam alleged that the minister had his arrest planned because he was criticizing the government’s reaction to the project and its financing.
Imam also revealed that the minister had obtained a directive which gave the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) the authority to arrest him.
These insinuations stirred significant debates among the people and led to an increased number of bridge funds allegations being spread on social media.
Minister’s lawyer, Dr. Ibrahim Effiong, in a conversation with the press in Jalingo on Friday, refuted the allegations and described them as groundless. He pointed out that Imam’s statements were fabricated and cautioned against the use of social media as a platform for circulating rumors.
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Effiong stated that Maigeri, a well-known lawyer, was still very much in line with public service and the observance of the law.
Effiong admitted the right to free speech as per the constitution, but he emphasized that such rights should be respected. He said that it is not possible to throw around such serious accusations as the bridge funds allegations without evidence. He also pointed out that public discussions should be regulated by the truth rather than conjectures.
Effiong said while talking to the press, “People must not engage in character assassination on social media.” He added, “If you make such serious accusations, you should be in a position to confirm them when questioned. That is the way the law operates.”
Effiong stated that the minister had resorted to legal action to resolve the issue. He said that taking the matter to court was the proper way to deal with the allegations and restore order.
The lawyer, on the contrary, commended the minister and his supporters for opting for the legal way instead of a violent response or a public outburst.
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He appealed to the people of Nigeria to be patient with the procedure and let the court handle the case of the bridge funds allegations. He appealed to Imam to show up in court and defend what he said. He further stated that politicians in public office are entitled to legal protection just like every other citizen.
Effiong stressed the significance of being within the bounds of one’s rights when speaking. “Your right to freedom starts and ends at a certain point,” he said. “The law is very clear on this. Nobody should, on the basis of what he cannot verify, ignite tension by spreading it.”
Besides one of his points was a plea for the public to show more respect towards leaders especially when they are dealing with sensitive topics such as infrastructure funding.
He also mentioned that a calm reaction by Maigeri was an evidence of his control over himself and his respect for the proper way of things.
“If all Nigerians behave like the minister in such matters, the country would be great,” he added.
The reconstruction of the Namnai Bridge has been under the watchful eye of the people of Taraba State, a community that depends on the corridor for their movement and trade.
After the bridge funds allegations had been impassable for a while due to its collapse, it was of great inconvenience to the people’s movement and thus, they have been looking forward to its reconstruction.
This has caused the bridge funds allegations to be very sensitive not only for the community members but also for the local government people.
To get more information on infrastructure auditing and public accountability, readers may refer to the resources provided by Nigeria’s Bureau of Public Procurement. The bureau offers guidelines on project evaluation and contract transparency.
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