The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has filed a lawsuit against the Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi for defamation of character.
The NSA filed the suit against Aziegbemi for alleging that the presidency, through the NSA and the Department of State Services (DSS) had planned to manipulate the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which controls the central government.
Aziegbemi had in a statement, titled “Edo 2024: Presidency’s Move To Interfere, Manipulate Guber Poll Using DSS, NSA Uncovered,” claimed that Ribadu directed the release of $2 million to the APC candidate for vote-buying and bribing security agencies.
However, in a letter through his legal representative, Charles Musa and Co. Ribadu condemned the statement, which he said had significantly harmed his reputation.
Ribadu noted in the letter signed on behalf of the law firm by Marian Aigbedion hat the allegations are baseless and contradict his reputation for integrity and his commitment to fighting corruption.
The letter read, “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled ‘EDO 2024: PRESIDENCY’S MOVE TO INTERFERE, MANIPULATE GUBER POLL USING DSS, NSA UNCOVERED.’
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, ‘$2m was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies.’
“This malicious and libellous Statement has brought our Client into public disdain and odium. Your portrayal of our Client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo State is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.
“As a renowned career police officer and pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), our Client has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption. It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts.
“Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand: A written apology to our Client; A full retraction of the publication in its entirety;
“Publication of the retraction in: A full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers; Ten reputable and well-read online news sites; Seven national and international television stations; Ten radio channels with national and international reach.
“Payment of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) as damages for reputational and other injuries. Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” the legal representative said in the letter.
Edo Guber: NSA Ribadu Sues Edo PDP Chair For Defamation, Seeks N10bn Damages is first published on The Whistler Newspaper