Rigging claim: Ribadu threatens to sue Edo PDP chair, demands N10bn damages

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has threatened to sue the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, over claims that $2 million was released to influence the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.

Aziegbemi had, in a statement on Saturday, September 14, alleged that the Edo PDP had uncovered a plot by the presidency to influence the forthcoming governorship election.

The Edo PDP chairman said Ribadu had been ordered to release $2 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, “to buy votes and bribe security agencies”.

Reacting to the allegations via letter addressed to Aziegbemi on Sunday, September 15, the NSA described the claims as “libellous and malicious”.

The letter written by Ribadu’s lawyer read: “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.

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“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: 1. A written apology to our client. 2. A full retraction of the publication in its entirety. 3. 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.”

The Star