Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, demanding an apology for alleging Obi’s involvement in a planned nationwide protest.
Obi has threatened to file a defamation lawsuit if Onanuga fails to comply.
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Through his counsel, Alex Ejesieme, Obi demanded that the apology be published in four national newspapers—Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable—as well as on Onanuga’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @aonanuga1956.
This demand follows Onanuga’s July 20, 2024, claim that Obi’s supporters were planning to incite violence in Nigeria, linking Obi to potential anarchy.
Ejesieme described the allegation as a “calculated plot” to damage Obi’s reputation and cause significant emotional distress.
He emphasized that the false claim has gone viral on social and mainstream media, maligning Obi’s well-earned reputation.
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In the letter, Obi’s counsel stated, “The said statements are in every sense malicious and convey with them the potentiality of ostracizing our client by well-meaning citizens of Nigeria. Our client is an elder statesman, a diplomat, and an unwavering democrat who has always conducted his affairs in accordance with Nigerian law.”
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The letter highlighted Obi’s commitment to non-violence and his history of law-abiding and constructive engagement.
It pointed out that Obi has consistently urged his supporters to follow the rule of law and avoid actions that could lead to disorder.
The counsel further noted that Obi has voiced his criticisms through constructive and lawful means, without malice.
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“Our client’s conviction is that the publication was a calculated plot to demean, ridicule, humiliate, and embarrass him by the estimation of every right-thinking member of society. It appears you have achieved your insipid motive, as well-wishers from all around the globe have inundated him with calls to register their shock,” the letter continued.
The letter also stated that the defamatory publication has caused serious emotional injury to Obi, despite his reputation as ‘Okwute’ (the Rock), due to his decades of service in both private and public life.
Obi demands a retraction of the defamatory statements and an unreserved apology within 72 hours, along with monetary damages of ₦5 billion.
The letter warns, “Take Notice that in the event of your failure to meet the demands set out above, our client shall be constrained to approach a court of competent jurisdiction and take legal action against you for defamation and libel.”
The letter concludes by expressing the hope for a prompt response and the assurance of the highest esteem from Obi’s legal team.
