By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
A Magistrate Court in Jalingo the Taraba State capital, has ordered for the arrest of a Social Media activist Abdulmumuni Imam for allegedly defaming Barrister Uba Maigari the Minister of State, Regional Development.
In a trending post on his verified Facebook page, Imam allege the Minister diverted ₦16.5 Billion contract sum for the reconstruction of Namnai Bridge in Gassol local Government area of the state, leading to non commencement of work on the bridge.
Council to Alhaji Maigari, Dr Ibrahim Effiong esq, while addressing journalists in Jalingo on Friday said that the ‘self-acclaimed Social Media activist’ have made accusations against the Minister, pitching him against the people of the state and gravely tarnishing his reputation.
He explained that his client is only seeking for the handler to come and defend his claims before the Court so that the records will be set straight.
“My client, the Honourable Minister of State Regional Development has been inundated with reports on the Social Media, credited to one Abdulmumuni Imam, alleging the diversion of over ₦16.5 Billion meant for the reconstruction of the Namnai bridge that collapsed since last year.
“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 has been invited and rather than appearing to defend himself, he has gone on the same social media to start making allegations that security people are looking for him. We didn’t approach any security agencies. Rather we went to the Court.
“I think it is important for people to be held responsible for their content on the Social Media. Yes we have freedom of speech but it comes with a responsibility of utilising it responsibly. That is the only way to protect the sanctity of that space. Besides, activism comes with bravery and responsibilities too. If you want to attack people on the guise of activism, you should be of no questionable character. And so I don’t understand why he is running from the Court which is for everyone.
“I must say that this is not about seeking compensation or claiming damages. It’s not about the money at all. This is about putting the records straight. The Honourable Minister is not above the law and if he is able to prove that the minister is truly in the wrong, the law will take its course. Otherwise, he should face the discipline of behaving irresponsibly in the public space” Effiong said.