Former Anambra State, Nigeria, Governor Peter Obi has demanded a retraction and an apology from President’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, over allegations linking him to a planned nationwide protest. Obi has also asked for N5 billion in damages for the embarrassment caused by Onanuga’s statement.
In a statement released by Peter Obi’s Media Reach, spokesperson Yunusa Tanko stated that the former presidential candidate made these demands through his lawyer, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN).
Onanuga had alleged on his X handle, @aonanuga1956, that “Peter Obi’s supporters are the people planning mayhem in Nigeria and that Obi should be held responsible for anarchy.”
Chief Ejesieme responded, saying, “The allegation, which was widely published in social and mainstream media, has maligned my client’s hard-earned reputation as a man who indulges in violence, despite his well-documented stance against violence even in the face of extreme provocation.”
Ejesieme added, “It’s our client’s conviction that the publication was a calculated plot to demean, ridicule, humiliate, and embarrass him by the estimation of every right-thinking member of society.”
Peter Obi’s lawyer outlined the demands clearly:
“We demand that you retract the statement and tender an unreserved apology to him within 72 hours of the receipt of this letter in not less than four National Dailies—Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable, including your verified X handle @aonanuga1956.
“Our client is also making an unequivocal demand for the monetary damage of N5 billion for the embarrassment your defamatory publication has caused him and his family.”
Onanuga, in response, chided Obi and remained defiant, stating, “I am still waiting for the letter from Peter Obi’s lawyer threatening a N5 billion suit and demanding an apology over the planned ‘revolution’. Let me just tell Obi and his lawyer: I am not afraid of any legal action. We shall meet in court,” He stated.
