National Security Adviser Demands Retraction of False Allegation in Edo State Election Scandal

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, has fired back at the Edo State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony Aziegbemi, over false allegations that he was plotting to rig the upcoming governorship election in the state. Ribadu’s lawyer, Marian Aigbedion of Charles Musa & Co, has demanded a public apology and retraction of the statement, which Ribadu’s team claims is “totally false” and “malicious”.

In a statement, Aigbedion described the allegations as “libelous” and “odious”, saying they had brought Ribadu into “public disdain and odium”. The lawyer emphasized that Ribadu, a renowned career police officer and former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has consistently demonstrated integrity and a commitment to fighting corruption. It is “inconceivable” that he would be involved in such an election-rigging plot.

Ribadu has asked Aziegbemi to publicly apologize to him and retract the publication in its entirety. He has also demanded that the retraction statement be published as a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers, ten reputable online news sites, seven national and international television stations, and ten radio channels with national and international reach. Furthermore, Ribadu has demanded the payment of N10 billion “as damages for reputational and other injuries”.

The lawyers have informed Aziegbemi that failure to comply with these demands within seven days might compel them to take further steps, which could include legal action to enforce Ribadu’s rights.