Tonye Cole, the 2023 All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Rivers State, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Nyesom Wike—Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State—and a Nigerian broadcast media outlet. The suit seeks N40 billion in damages for allegedly defamatory statements made by Minister Wike on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program on 18 September 2025. In that broadcast, Wike accused Cole of misappropriating state resources, selling gas assets and acquiring a hotel—allegations Cole says are entirely false and intended to damage the reputation he has built over decades through business, philanthropy and public service.
Human‑rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has volunteered as a witness for Cole. In his sworn deposition, Adeyanju testified that he watched the broadcast and was shocked by the seriousness of the accusations. He criticized both Minister Wike and Channels Television for disseminating unverified claims, arguing that such conduct undermines public trust in the media and responsible political discourse. Adeyanju also recounted a personal incident from a 2024 live television interview in which Wike attacked him, describing him as someone with “no job.” He has submitted evidence of that broadcast to demonstrate what he describes as a pattern of malicious speech by Wike against his critics.
The defamation lawsuit underscores the significant harm to Cole’s reputation and seeks not only financial compensation but also a public apology and an injunction preventing the defendants from rebroadcasting the offending statements. Cole’s legal team emphasizes that the case is about protecting the integrity of public discourse and ensuring accountability for the use of public platforms. The proceedings highlight the importance of responsible speech in public life and the need for media outlets to verify information before broadcasting it, potentially influencing how public figures and media organizations handle defamatory statements and unverified information in the future.
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