Politics
A legal practitioner, Magaji Mato Ibrahim (SAN), has demanded an immediate retraction and apology from Primate Elijah Ayodele over an alleged defamatory publication targeting Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice-presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a demand letter made available to journalists, Ibrahim said the publication directly referred to his client and allegedly questioned his credibility,
sincerity of purpose and political integrity as the running mate to Peter Obi in the 2027 election.
The lawyer described the allegations contained in the publication as false, unprovoked, unfounded and unsubstantiated.
He argued that the publication portrayed his client negatively and was capable of damaging his reputation among members of the public and supporters of the NDC.
According to him, the publication was deliberately designed to tarnish the reputation his client had built over the years and create divisions within the party and its support base.
The lawyer demanded that the publisher issue a full, direct and unequivocal retraction of the publication within 24 hours.
He also requested a public apology to be published on all social media platforms and in reputable local and international media outlets, with the same level of prominence as the original publication.
In addition, Ibrahim asked for a written undertaking that no further defamatory or malicious content concerning his client would be published or republished through any medium.
The lawyer warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would leave his client with no option but to institute legal proceedings.
He said the proposed suit would seek damages of N10 billion, as well as the cost of legal action and other reliefs that the court might deem appropriate.
The demand letter was signed by Ibrahim on behalf of Magaji Mato Ibrahim SAN & Co.
F.O
Tags: Kwankwaso Primate Ayodele