National security adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has threatened to sue the chairperson of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Anthony Aziegbemi for accusing him of election-rigging.
On September 12, Aziegbemi alleged in a statement that Ribadu released $2 million to Edo APC governorship candidate Monday Okpebholo for election-rigging.
He also claimed the Department of State Services was involved in the plot to buy votes and bribe security operatives.
In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.
The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.
According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, 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 and a full retraction of the publication in its entirety.
“We also demand a publication of the retraction in a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers; 10 reputable and well-read online news sites; seven national and international television stations, and 10 radio channels with national and international reach,” they said.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputational and other injuries.
They said that if their demands were not met within seven days, they would proceed to court.
