Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has issued a legal warning to Anthony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, over claims that he and the Department of State Services (DSS) are involved in plans to rig the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Aziegbemi alleged in a public statement titled “Edo 2024: Presidency’s Move To Interfere, Manipulate Guber Poll Using DSS, NSA Uncovered” that Ribadu authorized the release of $2 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate to buy votes and bribe security officials.
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Ribadu’s legal team, represented by Charles Musa and Co., described these accusations as false and defamatory.
In a letter signed by Marian Aigbedion on behalf of the law firm, they condemned the claims, stressing that Ribadu’s integrity and dedication to fighting corruption were being unfairly attacked.
The letter read, “Your statement falsely alleges that $2 million was ordered by the NSA for vote-buying. This baseless accusation has severely harmed our client’s reputation, portraying him as a supporter of corruption, which is completely at odds with his record of service, particularly as the former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”
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The NSA’s lawyers demanded an immediate apology from Aziegbemi and a full retraction of the statement across various media platforms.
They also called for N10 billion in damages for the harm caused to Ribadu’s reputation.
The letter further outlined the demands: an apology, the retraction to be published in at least five national newspapers, prominent online platforms, television channels, and radio stations, as well as payment of the N10 billion compensation.
The legal team warned that failure to meet these demands within seven days would result in a lawsuit.
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Ribadu, a respected figure in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, insists that the accusations are completely unfounded and have caused significant reputational damage.
