Akpabio’s Allegations and Emefiele’s Response
During the event on February 18, Akpabio claimed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu inherited an economic mess from Emefiele, insinuating that the former CBN governor was responsible for the country’s economic hardships.
In response, Emefiele’s lawyer, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), issued a letter to Akpabio demanding a written apology and the sum of N25 billion as compensation for the alleged defamation. The letter, dated February 19, emphasized that Akpabio’s statements portrayed Emefiele as a serial offender responsible for all the nation’s hardships.
Undermining the Integrity of the Court
Emefiele expressed concern that Akpabio’s comments undermined the integrity of the court and its independence, especially considering the ongoing trial against him. The letter pointed out that such statements could prejudice the case and exert unnecessary pressure on the judiciary.
The letter further highlighted that the federal government had already preferred charges against Emefiele in August 2023, to which he had pleaded not guilty, making Akpabio’s comments on a subjudice matter disturbing.
A Call for Retraction and Apology
Emefiele, in his capacity as a former CBN governor and a senior member of the bar, urged Akpabio to retract his statement, which had gained significant attention. He emphasized that attributing the economic woes solely to Emefiele was inaccurate, considering Akpabio’s role as a minister in the previous administration.
The letter concluded with a demand for an unreserved, written apology, to be published and circulated through the same medium that disseminated the defamatory statement. Additionally, Akpabio was asked to pay N25 billion as reasonable compensation for the alleged damage to Emefiele’s reputation.
Legal Ramifications
Should Akpabio fail to comply with the demands, Emefiele asserted his intention to seek appropriate legal redress under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
This legal dispute sheds light on the intricacies of high-profile defamation cases and their potential implications on the involved parties.
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