Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded N10 billion damages from the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Anthony Aziegbemi over claim that he is involved in sharing of $2 million for vote buying in the 21 September governorship election.
Aziegbemi had in a statement alleged that the Ribadu and the Department of State Services (DSS) are spearheading moves by the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC for vote buying ahead of the Edo governorship election scheduled for next Saturday.
The Edo PDP Chairman made the allegation in a statement, titled “Edo 2024: Presidency’s Move To Interfere, Manipulate Guber Poll Using DSS, NSA Uncovered.”
Aziegbemi had specifically claimed in the statement that the NSA has directed the release of $2 million to the APC candidate in the Edo election, Monday Okpebholo for vote-buying and bribing security agencies during the governorship election.
However, Ribadu, in a letter, Charles Musa and Co., his lawyers, described the allegation as baseless, malicious and false and a significant harm to his reputation as a fighter against corruption
The letter to the Edo PDP signed on behalf of the legal firm by Marian Aigbedion reads: 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 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.”
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