The National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has called for a retraction of the unfounded and damaging claims made against him by the Edo State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi, alleging that he is plotting to rig the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The party chairman, in a statement on Saturday, alleged that the federal government was plotting to manipulate the election. He further claimed that the NSA allocated $2 million to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a component of the scheme.
In a letter addressed to Aziegbemi on September 15, 2024, Ribadu called for the retraction of what he described as a “totally false” allegation.
In a statement by his lawyer, Marian Aigbedion of Charles Musa & Co, Ribadu said the “malicious and libelous 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.”
Ribadu asked Aziegbemi to publicly apologise to him and retract the publication in its entirety.
He also demanded that the retraction statement should be published as “a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers, ten reputable and well-read online news sites, seven national and international television stations and ten radio channels with national and international reach”.
The NSA also demanded the payment of N10 billion “as damages for reputational and other injuries.”
The lawyers informed the party chairman that failure to comply with the demands within seven days might compel them to take further steps, which could include legal action to enforce Ribadu’s rights.
