Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has given, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga a 72-hour ultimatum to apologize for alleging that Obi was behind a planned nationwide protest.
Obi has threatened to file a defamation lawsuit if Onanuga does not comply. Obi’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, has demanded that the apology be published in four national newspapers—Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable—as well as Onanuga’s verified X handle, @aonanuga1956.
The demand follows Onanuga’s claim on July 20, 2024, that Obi’s supporters were plotting chaos in Nigeria, which linked him to anarchy.
Ejesieme described Onanuga’s allegations as a “calculated plot” to harm Obi’s reputation. The lawyer noted that the claims have gone viral, damaging Obi’s well-earned reputation and emotional well-being.
In a letter, Obi’s counsel stated, “The said statements are in every sense malicious and convey with them the potentiality of an ostracisation of our Client by well-meaning citizens of Nigeria.” The letter continued, “Our Client is an elder statesman, a diplomat, and an unwavering democrat. He has always tailored his affairs according to the dictates of Nigerian law.”
The letter also highlighted Obi’s commitment to law and order and his history of constructive criticism without malice. It said, “Our Client has expressed dissatisfaction with certain policies and has voiced the same through constructive criticism, without malice or resentment.”
Obi’s lawyer emphasized that the defamatory statements have caused significant emotional distress, stating, “It appears you have achieved your insipid motive, as well-wishers from all around the globe have inundated him with calls to register their shock.”
Obi is demanding a retraction of the defamatory statements and a public apology within 72 hours. He is also seeking ₦5 billion in damages for the harm caused.
The letter concluded, “Our Client is making an unequivocal demand for monetary damages of ₦5,000,000,000 (Five Billion Naira) only for the embarrassment your defamatory publication has caused him and his family. Take Notice that in the event of your failure to meet the demands set out above, our Client shall be constrained to approach a Court of competent jurisdiction and take legal action against you for defamation and libel.”
