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Protest Sponsorship Allegation: Peter Obi Threatens Onanuga with Law Suit, Demands N5bn in Damages
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has initiated legal action against the Special Adviser to the President on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, wigh his legal team demanding a retraction and N5 billion in damages for a defamatory publication that they claim has significantly harmed Obi’s reputation.
The controversy began with a statement published by Onanuga on his verified “X” (formerly Twitter) handle, “@aonanuga1956,” on 20th July 2024. The post alleged that “Peter Obi’s supporters are the people planning mayhem in Nigeria” and held Obi responsible for potential anarchy. This claim was further disseminated across various social media platforms and major Nigerian news outlets.
In a strongly-worded letter addressed to Onanuga, Obi’s legal counsel, Chief Alex Ejesieme, SAN, refuted the allegations, describing them as “false and malicious.” The letter stated: “Our Client denies the entirety of the falsehood contained in the said publication and insists that there is no modicum of truth in the allegations preferred against him in your published statement.”
Obi’s lawyers argued that the publication was not only defamatory but also intended to damage Obi’s reputation and standing.
The legal team also highlighted the extensive circulation of the defamatory statement, noting its presence on platforms such as “X,” WhatsApp, and Facebook, as well as various online and print media. This widespread dissemination has allegedly caused significant embarrassment and harm to Obi and his family.
In addition to the demand for N5 billion in damages, Obi’s lawyers warned of imminent legal action if Onanuga fails to comply with their demands. “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 read.
Madagascar’s army has taken over power and dissolved all institutions, while President Andry Rajoelina fled the country for safety.
Mr Randrianirina also added that the military has dissolved all institutions except the lower house of parliament, which voted to impeach Mr Rajoelina a few minutes before his announcement.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mbah announced his decision on Tuesday during a press conference in Enugu, saying the move was aimed at advancing the state’s interests through a stronger partnership with the ruling party at the centre.
He said his defection followed “a long period of reflection,” adding that the APC’s vision under President Bola Tinubu aligns with his own goal of driving sustainable development in Enugu and across the South-East.
“Today, after a long period of reflection, we have decided to leave the PDP and join the APC. We share a vision that transformation must be disruptive,” Mbah stated.
“I have found in His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a partner in purpose, a man with the courage to look beyond today and make the tough choices that secure lasting prosperity for tomorrow.”
The governor, who was accompanied by his predecessor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, federal and state lawmakers, and top political figures in Enugu, said the decision was a collective one made by his political family.
According to him, “This is no whimsical decision. It is a collective move by the political family in Enugu State, comprising members of the National Assembly, members of the State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, all local government chairmen, councillors, political appointees, and over 80% of party executives.”
Mbah also expressed optimism that the defection would ensure that “the voice of Enugu people and indeed that of the South-East would now be heard in Abuja.”
While thanking the PDP for its past support, Mbah lamented that the South-East had often been sidelined in national politics despite its loyalty to the party.
“To the Peoples Democratic Party which provided us the platform on which we campaigned and won, I extend deep gratitude,” he said. “But despite our loyalty, our voices were too often disregarded.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s recent grant of presidential pardon, describing it as a reckless abuse of executive power that weakens the justice system and emboldens criminality in the country.
In a statement issued at the weekend, Atiku said the decision to extend clemency to individuals convicted of serious crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and corruption was both “shocking and indefensible.”
He argued that the essence of a presidential pardon — a constitutional prerogative meant to temper justice with mercy — had been grossly misused by the Tinubu administration. According to him, the act has diminished the sanctity of justice and sent the wrong message to Nigerians and the international community about the government’s moral values.
“At a time when Nigeria continues to reel under insecurity, moral decay, and rising drug-related offences, it is deeply troubling that the presidency would prioritize clemency for those whose actions have undermined national stability and social order,” the statement read.
Atiku cited reports indicating that nearly 30 percent of those pardoned were convicted for drug-related crimes, describing the move as particularly insensitive given the country’s ongoing struggle with narcotics abuse and its tarnished global image on drug issues.
The former vice president also drew attention to what he called “the moral irony” of the decision, referencing past controversies surrounding President Tinubu’s alleged links to drug-related investigations in the United States.
“It is, therefore, no surprise that this administration continues to demonstrate a worrying tolerance for individuals associated with criminal enterprise,” he stated.
Atiku warned that the pardon had made a “mockery of the criminal justice system,” discouraged law enforcement agencies, and dishonoured victims of serious crimes.
“Clemency must never be confused with complicity,” he said. “When a government begins to absolve offenders of the very crimes it claims to be fighting, it erodes the moral authority of leadership and emboldens lawlessness.”
The former vice president concluded by urging Nigerians to demand a leadership that upholds justice and integrity.
“Nigeria deserves a leadership that strengthens justice, not one that trivializes it,” Atiku said.
