In recent days, a certain young man took to social media repeatedly to circulate fabricated stories—stories capable not only of tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of my principal, the Honourable Minister of State for Regional Development, H.E. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, but also of sowing unnecessary discord among the good people of Taraba State.
Using the handle Abdulmumin Imam, this individual—perhaps emboldened by disgruntled opposition elements or driven by sheer ignorance of how public procurement works—falsely alleged that the Minister diverted funds allocated for the reconstruction of the damaged Namnai Bridge. He further claimed that this imaginary diversion explains why the project has not yet been executed.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
H.E. Uba Maigari Ahmadu, a man known for his integrity, dedication, and deep love for Taraba State, has gone above and beyond to ensure the Namnai Bridge issue receives urgent federal attention. He has personally escalated the matter to the Federal Ministry of Works, meeting multiple times with his colleague, H.E. Dr. Dave Umahi, to fast-track appropriate interventions.
Beyond this, the Minister has facilitated several rural development projects across Taraba State through agencies under the Ministry of Regional Development—projects already improving the quality of life in many communities.
Yet, in the spirit of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which welcomes constructive criticism within the bounds of responsibility and respect, the Minister chose not to engage in a social-media war. Instead, as a man who guards his name, legacy, and reputation with dignity, he instructed his legal counsel to allow the court of law—not the court of public hysteria—settle the matter.
Speaking to journalists in Jalingo, the Minister’s legal counsel, Dr. Ibrahim Effiong, made the situation clear:
“As a reputable legal luminary and law-abiding citizen, the Minister deemed it important for the man to prove his claims before the court. He was invited. Instead of appearing, he returned to social media alleging that security agents were hunting him. No security agency was contacted. We approached the Court—not the police.
It is important for people to be held accountable for their content on social media. Freedom of speech is guaranteed, yes—but it carries the responsibility of using that freedom wisely. Activism requires courage, truthfulness, and character. If you boldly make allegations in public, you should be ready to defend them in court.”
This entire episode is a reminder to our young people: do not allow yourselves to become tools in the hands of desperate politicians who hide behind fake narratives and online propaganda. Posts made in haste or malice can carry serious legal consequences.
Freedom of speech is a right.
But it is not a license for falsehood.
Freedom of speech comes with responsibility.
-Jamila M. Indabawa is the SA, Media, to the
Honourable Minister of State,
Regional Development