THE National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Bola Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegation made against him by the Chairman of Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Anthony Aziegbemi.
Recall that Aziegbemi had in a statement on September 14, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the September 21 Edo State governorship election using Ribadu and the Department of State Service (DSS), claiming that the NSA had released $2million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate as part of the plot.
But in reaction, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa and Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction, noting: “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA), in response to your press statement, titled, ‘Edo 2024: Presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered.’
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that ‘$2million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies.” t
The lawyers said the statement had brought their client (Ribadu) into public disdain and odium, as his portrayal as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo 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.
“Given the extensive damage your false and baseless allegations have caused our client, we demand a written apology to our client and a full retraction of the publication in its entirety.
“We also demand a publication of the retraction in a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers; 10 reputable and well-read online news sites; seven national and international television stations and 10 radio channels with national and international reach,” they said.
The lawyers also demanded payment of N10billion as damages for reputational and other injuries, adding: “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.”
