Ribadu threatens to sue PDP Chair over election rigging allegation
By Kunle Sanni
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of the false and malicious allegations made against him by the Edo State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi, accusing him of plotting to rig the upcoming governorship election in the state.
The party chairman, in a widely circulated statement on Saturday, accused the federal government of scheming to rig the election. He further alleged that the NSA had released $2 million to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as part of the plot.
In a letter dated September 15, 2024, addressed to the party chieftain, the NSA demanded a retraction of what he described as a “totally false” allegation.
His lawyer, Marian Aigbedion of Charles Musa & Co., stated that the “malicious and libelous statement has brought our client into public disdain and odium.”
“Your portrayal of our client as a corruption enabler and of 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.”
Ribadu has therefore asked Mr. Aziegbemi to publicly apologize and retract the publication in its entirety.
He also demanded that the retraction be published as “a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers, ten reputable and well-read online news sites, seven national and international television stations, and ten radio channels with both national and international reach.”
Additionally, the NSA is seeking the payment of N10 billion “as damages for reputational and other injuries.”
The lawyers informed the party chairman that failure to comply with these demands within seven days might compel them to take further legal action to enforce Ribadu’s rights.
