Hunger protest: Peter Obi demands apology, 5 billion from Tinubu’s aide, threatens defamation lawsuit

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has given Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Communication and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, a 72-hour ultimatum to apologise for his claim that Obi was behind the planned nationwide protest.

Obi vowed to file a defamation libel lawsuit if Onanuga failed to apologise.

Obi, through his counsel, Alex Ejesieme, demanded that the public apology be published in four national newspapers – Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable – as well as Onanuga’s verified X handle #aonanuga1956.

The demand comes after Onanuga alleged on July 20, 2024, that Obi’s supporters were planning mayhem in Nigeria, linking him to anarchy.

Obi’s counsel described the allegation as a “calculated plot” to demean and embarrass their client, causing significant harm to his reputation and emotional well-being.

The counsel noted that the allegation went viral on social and mainstream media, maligning Obi’s hard-earned reputation.

He stressed that Obi abhors violence and has a long record of law-abiding and constructive engagement in private and public life.

The Obi’s counsel letter reads in part, “The said statements are in every sense malicious and convey with them the potentiality of an ostracisation of our Client by well-meaning citizens of Nigeria. It should be stated without any form of equivocation that our Client is an elder statesman, a diplomat, and an unwavering democrat.

“He has always tailored his affairs according to the dictates of Nigerian law. Where there has been any dissatisfaction with any process or procedure, our Client’s first and only resort has been to invoke the appropriate legal mechanisms to ventilate his grievances.

“As a matter of fact, our Client has severally urged his teeming supporters to abide by the rule of law and to abstain from any actions which could result in a breakdown of law and order. He refrains from associating himself with protests and has constantly persuaded Nigerians to persevere.”

Continuing Obi’s counsel in the letter said, “Our Client has expressed dissatisfaction with certain policies and has voiced the same through constructive criticism, without malice or resentment.

“It is our Client’s conviction 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.

“His appellation as ‘Okwute’ (the Rock) notwithstanding, the demeaning and scandalous publication has also caused serious emotional injury to our Client, given his decades of stellar stewardship in private and public life.”

Obi demands a retraction of the defamatory statements and an unreserved apology within 72 hours, along with the monetary damages.

“Consequently, we have our Client’s mandate to demand that you retract the statement made in the publication and tender an unreserved apology to him within 72 hours of the receipt of this letter in no fewer than four National Dailies, to wit: Vanguard, THISDAY, Punch, and The Cable, including your verified ‘X’ handle ‘@aonanuga1956’.

“Our Client is also making an unequivocal demand for monetary damages of ₦5,000,000,000 (Five Billion Naira) only for the embarrassment your defamatory publication has caused him and his family.

“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.”

“Be advised accordingly. While looking forward to your response, accept the assurances of our highest esteem.”