Peter Obi hits Bayo Onanuga for defamation,  demands N5 billion, retraction of offensive publication

Admin I Tuesday, July 23, 2024

 

ABUJA – Presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP in the February 2023 general election has expressed his distaste for publications circulated by Special Adviser to the President on Communications and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, published in National newspapers, alleging defamation of his character.

In a letter dated July 22, 2024, from the chambers of Alex Ejesieme SAN & CO, the lawyer argued that  Bayo Onanuga accused his client Peter Obi and his supporters of planning mayhem in Nigeria, stressing that there is no modicum of truth in the allegation which has gone viral on the internet and social media platforms.

He described Onanuga’s statement as malicious and convey with them “the potentiality of ostracisation of our clients by well meaning citizens of this country”.

He described his client as an elder statesman and a diplomat and an unwavering democrat.

“He has always tailored his affairs according to the dictates of the Nigerian law”, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria said.

“In order not to have our client’s silence misconstrued as acquiescence or admission, our client saw the need to set the record straight”, he said.

The lawyer said he has the mandate of his client for Onanuga to retract the statement within 72 hours in not less than four National newspapers, The Punch, Vanguard, This Day and The Cable, including his verified X platform.

He said Peter Obi is in addition demanding N5 billion for the embarrassment caused by the defamatory publication to his person and family.

He warned that he will proceed to court if Bayo Onanuga fails to adhere to his demands.