Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu, has demanded N10billion from Chairman of Edo PDP, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, as damages over “malicious and libellous statement” against him.
Aziegbemi had Saturday, in a statement, alleged that Ribadu had received $2m from the Presidency to buy votes for the APC governorship candidate in the upcoming September 21 election in the state.
The NSA, in a letter by his lawyer, Charles Musa & Co, and titled: “Defamatory Statement against Mallam Nuhu Ribadu” that was addressed to Dr. Aziegbemi, said: “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.”
Full text of the letter…
15th September, 2024
Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi
State Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party 59 Airport Road
Benin City, Edo State
Email: edostatepdp59@gmail.comDear Sir,
DEFAMATORY PUBLICATION AGAINST MALLAM NUHU RIBADU
Re: Press Statement dated September 14, 2024
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 libelous 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.
Thank you.
For and on behalf of CHARLES MUSA & CO.
CC: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
