Governorship Election: Ribadu Sues Edo PDP Chair For Defamation, Seeks ₦10 Billion Damages

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.

This was in response to allegations that the presidency, through the NSA and the Department of State Services (DSS, plans to manipulate the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

Aziegbemi in a statement, titled “Edo 2024: Presidency’s Move To Interfere, Manipulate Guber Poll Using DSS, NSA Uncovered,” had claimed that Ribadu directed the release of $2 million to the APC candidate for vote-buying and bribing security agencies.

In a letter, Charles Musa and Co., the legal representatives of Ribadu, condemned the statement, which it said had significantly harmed Ribadu’s reputation.

The law firm in the letter signed on their behalf by Marian Aigbedion said the allegations are baseless and contradict Ribadu’s reputation for integrity and his commitment to fighting corruption.

The letter said, “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 10,000,000,000 (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.”