Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong is not backing down in the face of allegations made against him by Chief Executive Officer of Erisco Foods Limited, Chief Eric Umeofia. Effiong has demanded that Umeofia provide evidence to support his claim that Effiong is a fake lawyer.
Effiong has given Umeofia 14 days to retract his statement and issue an apology, or face legal action. In a statement released by his counsel, Femi Falana, Effiong is seeking N100 million in damages and a public apology published in two national newspapers.
The dispute stems from comments made by Umeofia during an interview with Television Continental (TVC) on October 2, 2023. Umeofia allegedly accused Effiong of being a “fake lawyer” and a “charge and bail lawyer” hired to deceive his client, Mrs. Chioma Okoli.
Effiong, who has spent years studying and practicing law, is adamant that his reputation has been unjustly tarnished by Umeofia’s remarks. He is demanding that Umeofia provide evidence to support his claims and is prepared to take legal action if his demands are not met.
In a post on social media, Effiong emphasized his years of education and experience in the legal field, stating, “I want justice.”
Effiong’s determination to clear his name and seek redress for the alleged defamation highlights the importance of upholding professional integrity and accountability in the legal profession. As the deadline approaches, the outcome of this dispute remains uncertain, but Effiong’s resolve to defend his reputation serves as a reminder of the significance of ethical conduct in the legal industry.
