Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA) of Nigeria, has made a public call for a retraction of the election rigging accusations brought against him by Anthony Aziegbemi, the chairperson of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On September 14, Aziegbemi released a statement in which he accused the Federal Government of planning to interfere in the forthcoming Edo Governorship Election, specifically implicating Ribadu and the Department of State Service (DSS) in the alleged plot.
In his claims, Aziegbemi suggested that Ribadu had authorized the disbursement of $2 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, insinuating that the money would be used as part of a scheme to buy votes and influence security agencies in favor of the APC.
Responding to these serious accusations, Ribadu’s legal representatives, Charles Musa & Co, issued a formal statement on his behalf, categorically denying the claims and describing them as “totally false.” The legal team called for an immediate and comprehensive retraction of the statement.
“We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled 'Edo 2024: Presidency’s Move to Interfere, Manipulate Guber Poll Using DSS, NSA Uncovered,'” the letter read.
“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, '2 million U.S. dollars was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies,’” the letter continued, emphasizing that the accusation was fabricated.
The lawyers went on to assert that the baseless and defamatory nature of Aziegbemi’s statement had caused significant damage to Ribadu's reputation, bringing him into “public disdain and odium.”
According to them, the portrayal of Ribadu as an enabler of corruption, and the suggestion that his office was being used as a tool of the ruling party to foster chaos in Edo State, were both damaging and entirely untrue.
The statement highlighted Ribadu’s long-standing record as a career police officer and his leadership as the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an organization known for its anti-corruption efforts.
“It is inconceivable that he would be involved in such odious acts," the letter stressed, adding that the allegations were inconsistent with Ribadu’s established reputation for integrity and his dedication to fighting corruption throughout his career.
In light of the damage caused by these allegations, the lawyers demanded a formal apology from Aziegbemi to Ribadu, as well as a full retraction of the publication in question.
Additionally, they requested that the retraction be published prominently as a full-page advertorial in at least five national newspapers, 10 widely-read online news platforms, and be broadcast on seven national and international television channels as well as 10 radio stations with significant reach.
The legal team also demanded payment of N10 billion in damages to compensate for the reputational and other harm suffered by Ribadu due to the false allegations.
“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” the letter concluded.