The Federal Capital Territory High Court is set to rule on a significant legal dispute between former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and Senator Ita Solomon Enang, a former presidential adviser. The hearing, scheduled for March 5, 2024, centers around a contentious defamation suit.
Emmanuel, through his legal representative, Mr. Charles Mekwunye, SAN, has accused Enang of making defamatory remarks about his administration. Specifically, Enang allegedly described Emmanuel’s governance as the “Worst in the history of Nigeria” during a public statement on Lagos Talks FM (91.3) and other media platforms.
The crux of the lawsuit revolves around the request for an astronomical sum of N1 billion as pecuniary compensation for the purported irreparable damage caused to Emmanuel’s reputation and public standing by Enang’s statements. Furthermore, there is a demand for an order compelling Enang to pay the stated amount.
In response, Enang’s legal representative, Mba Ukweni, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has lodged a preliminary objection. Ukweni challenges the competence of the suit and the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the case. He contends that necessary parties, including the media house through which the alleged defamatory remarks were made, have not been included in the lawsuit. Additionally, Ukweni argues that the statement made by Enang does not warrant legal action in favor of the claimant, casting doubt on the validity of the suit.
At the core of Ukweni’s argument is the assertion that the claimant’s attorney, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, lacks the authority and capacity to initiate and maintain the legal action on Emmanuel’s behalf. He also highlights procedural non-compliance concerning the alleged libelous publication.
With both parties presenting their arguments, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi has adjourned the case to March 5, 2024, when a ruling on the preliminary objection will potentially shape the trajectory of this high-profile legal battle.
