Defamation: Edo Gov Okpebholo demands apology from 2 PDP chieftains

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has issued a five-day notice to Chris Nehikhare, Edo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and a chieftain of the party, Mr. Shedrach Udugbai, to immediately tender an unreserved apology to him (Okpebholo) over what the governor described as defamatory remarks made by them at various times and on different platforms.

Nehikhare was accused of making “defamatory and unsubstantiated allegations” against the governor through a press release on March 10, 2025, captioned “Edo PDP condemns Okpebholo’s N200m bribery ploy to buy defection of each Assembly member”; “Reckless misappropriation of state resources” and “ Senator Monday Okpebholo has summoned all councillors from the 18 local councils of Edo State, in a desperate attempt to woo them with N2m each to decamp to the All Progressives Congress, APC.”

Udugbai was said to have defamed the governor while appearing on “This Morning on ITV” a programme aired on Benin-based Independent Television (ITV) on March 13, 2025, where he accused Governor Okpebholo of bribing three members of the PDP in the state House of Assembly with N200 million each to defect to the APC.

A pre-action notice by the governor’s legal representatives, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere and Taiwo Elizabeth Olorunfemi, sighted by our correspondent, said the alleged defamatory comments could be construed to mean that “the governor is a dishonourable man who engages in bribery and corruption and deals callously with the common wealth of Edo State.”

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The pre-action notice further stated that the alleged defamatory comments meant that “our client is a dishonest man, who can only have things done through bribery and corrupt practices,” and that our client is a “dishonest person incapable of managing the affairs of Edo State and/or holding any public office.”

The notice lamented that the wide broadcast of the said press release and interview including on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, significantly amplified the reach and impact of the alleged defamatory comments, resulting in consequential harm to the governor.

While insisting that the allegations were wholly false and a calculated attempt to damage the governor’s hard-earned reputation, the governor’s legal team stated that Governor Okpebholo has been adjudged by all well-meaning Edo indigenes and Nigerians in general, as one of the few state governors who is doing excellently well and managing the state funds prudently.

They said before becoming the governor of Edo State, the governor was a senator, where he performed his legislative duties impeccably without blemishes, hence he was nominated by the APC as its candidate for the governorship of Edo State, a position he now occupies.

The pre-action notice read: “Our client has not been arrested, charged or convicted for financial impropriety or any offense whatsoever in Nigeria or elsewhere and our client has never and will never engage in bribery or any other financial impropriety.

“It is hard to understand why our client’s name should feature in what seemed to be your attempt to address an issue regarding the decamping of lawmakers from your own political party due to their dissatisfaction with how the affairs of your party are being run.

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“The theory that the inmates escaped through the tower without causing any structural damage raises serious concerns.

Fubara: Supreme Court reacts to photo of Justice Agim with Wike

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has dismissed reports of judiciary manipulation after Justice Emmanuel Agim was photographed with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike at the University of Calabar’s convocation ceremony.

The picture had sparked criticism from political observers, especially given Justice Agim’s recent ruling against Governor Siminalayi Fubara in the Rivers State House of Assembly case.

However, in a statement issued on Monday, Akande Festus, the Supreme Court’s Director of Information and Public Relations, clarified that Justice Agim attended the event as an honouree and alumnus, and also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law from the university.

Festus emphasized that Justice Agim’s participation was entirely independent, not representing any government ministry or department.

Festus stated, “In light of the reports circulating on social media and other news platforms, we wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the attendance of Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim of the Supreme Court of Nigeria at the convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar on Saturday, 22nd March 2025.

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“It has come to our attention that misleading information has emerged, suggesting that Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim accompanied the Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, to the ceremony. We hereby dispel this false narrative.

“He was recognised for his significant contributions to the legal profession, which reflect his commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law, serving as a model for aspiring legal professionals and students alike.”

Festus further explained that truly Justice Agim was initially scheduled to attend the burial ceremony of Justice Stanley Alagoa in Bayelsa State alongside other Supreme Court Justices, but he sought permission to attend the University of Calabar convocation instead.

“Any insinuation to the contrary is not only inaccurate but undermines the judicial independence that is crucial to our democracy.

“We encourage the public and media to verify information through credible sources before sharing or publishing, to prevent the spread of misinformation,” the statement read.

Fubara: Supreme Court reacts to photo of Justice Agim with Wike