Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, has demanded a public apology and 5 billion naira in damages from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Strategy, over allegedly defamatory statements.
Through his legal counsel Alex Ejesieme (SAN), Obi claims Onanuga made false and malicious accusations in a widely circulated publication titled “REVEALED: Peter Obi’s supporters are the people planning mayhem in Nigeria:
Obi should be held responsible for anarchy.” The publication appeared on Onanuga’s verified social media account and was republished by various media.
Obi denies the allegations that he is an “anarchist” working with terrorist groups to organize nationwide protests to usurp the government. He asserts the claims have no truth and were intended to demean and embarrass him.
The letter demands Onanuga retract the statements and publish an unreserved apology in four national newspapers within 72 hours. It also seeks 5 billion naira in monetary damages for the alleged reputational harm caused to Obi and his family.
Obi’s counsel says failure to meet these demands will result in legal action for defamation and libel against Onanuga. The presidency has not yet publicly responded to Obi’s legal notice as of the time of this report.
Credit: The Nigeria Lawyer