As Lawyer Threatens N10bn Damage Suit against Clergyman
- Safiu Kehinde
The OK Movement, the support group of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has demanded public apology from Nigerian clergyman, Primate Ayodele Elijah, over alleged defamatory remark against Kwankwaso.
Ayodele was reported to have, in a video shared on social media, warned Obi against trusting Kwankwaso, alleging that the former Kano state governor will betray him.
The clergyman, as quoted in a letter issued to him by Kwankwaso’s legal counsel, Magaji Mato Ibrahim, accused the ex-Kano governor of being fake and paid to deputise Obi.
“Kwankwaso is a fake to Obi.
“Kwankwaso will betray you. Kwankwaso has been paid to become Vice President to Obi.” Ayodele was quoted to have said in the video.
Meanwhile, Magaji had in the letter labelled Ayodele’s allegations as false with alleged plot to damage the reputation of the ex-Kano governor.
“Your assertions which are deliberate, premeditated, false, unprovoked, grossly unfounded and unsubstantiated meant and negatively portrays our client to right thinking members of the society as deviant, hypocritic, deceitful and insincere.
“The intended messages in your publication are carefully designed and curated to gravely damage the sparkling reputation which our client has painstakingly built over the years and to create a rift within the ranks of the members of NDC and their teeming supporters alike.” The counsel to the ex-Kano governor said.
Magaji thereafter demanded a published public apology with an undertaking that he will desist from making further defamatory remarks against Kwankwaso.
“In the light of the foregoing, we hereby categorically demand as follows;
“That you immediately within twenty-four (24) hours publish a full, direct and unequivocal retraction of and apology for the false, malicious and defamatory publication against our client, on all social media platforms and reputable local and international news outlets, while ensuring that the retraction and apology is given the same visibility and prominence as your defamatory publication.
“You provide a written undertaking that henceforth, you will cease and desist from publishing or republishing any defamatory or malicious content against our client through any medium and on any platform whatsoever.” The letter read further.
Reacting to the development, the OK Movement also reiterated the counsel’s call for public apology from the clergyman.
The movement, in a statement issued on its official X handle on Wednesday, held that Kwankwaso had, over the years, built a reputation of principled leadership, public service, and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people.
It warned against spread of unverified allegations that can cause reputational damage.
“In response to what his legal team describes as false, malicious, and defamatory publications directed at his person, his lawyers have formally demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from those responsible.
“This development serves as a reminder that freedom of expression carries a responsibility to uphold accuracy, fairness, and respect for the truth.
‘Public platforms should not be used to spread unverified allegations capable of damaging reputations and misleading the public.” The OK Movement stated.
It demanded the immediate retraction of the statement by Ayodele as well public apology.
“The OK Movement equally demands a retraction and apology for the defamatory contents and comments against His Excellency Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, public statements must be rooted in facts and civility.
“Truth, accountability, and responsible public engagement remain essential to strengthening our nation, culture, and civilization.” It added.
Meanwhile, Magaji, Kwankwaso’s counsel had in the letter to Ayodele warned of legal action with N10 billion damage if the clergyman fails to meet his demands.
“Take notice that if you neglect, fail or refuse to accede to our reasonable demands within the stipulated time frame, we have our Client’s unflinching instruction to take out appropriate legal proceedings against you without further recourse to you, wherein we shall claim substantial damages to the tune of Ten Billion Naira and cost of the action on a full indemnity basis amongst other reliefs.” He warned.