Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has taken a firm stance against what he perceives as defamatory remarks made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In response to comments allegedly made by Akpabio at a recent event, Emefiele’s legal team has issued an ultimatum demanding a retraction and apology, failing which, they threaten to pursue legal action amounting to N25 billion in damages.
The controversy arose from statements attributed to Akpabio during Senator Barinada Mpigi’s thanksgiving service in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Akpabio purportedly insinuated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was at a loss regarding which charges to levy against Emefiele, suggesting an indictment of the former CBN governor’s tenure and its impact on Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Expressing deep concern over the implications of Akpabio’s remarks, Emefiele’s legal representative, Mathew Burkaa (SAN), emphasized the damaging nature of the allegations.
In a letter addressed to Akpabio, dated February 19, Emefiele’s legal team highlighted the gravity of the situation, asserting that the comments insinuated Emefiele’s culpability in exacerbating the nation’s economic challenges and painted him as a “serial offender” responsible for widespread hardship.
The letter underscored the profound impact of Akpabio’s remarks on Emefiele’s ongoing legal proceedings, citing concerns over potential prejudice and the erosion of public confidence in the judicial process.
Emefiele’s team admonished Akpabio for his failure to exercise caution in discussing matters that were sub judice, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
Furthermore, Emefiele refuted Akpabio’s characterization of him as the sole architect of Nigeria’s economic woes, highlighting his limited autonomy as a public official and the collaborative nature of decision-making within the government.
He called attention to Akpabio’s own involvement in the previous administration, noting his direct participation in policy formulation and implementation.
In light of the gravity of the allegations and their far-reaching consequences, Emefiele’s legal team demanded immediate retractions and a written apology from Akpabio.
They stressed the need for restitution to repair the damage inflicted upon Emefiele’s reputation and standing within society. Failure to comply with these demands, they warned, would prompt the initiation of legal proceedings seeking substantial compensation for the harm caused.
Emefiele’s unwavering resolve to confront the allegations head-on underscores the importance of protecting one’s reputation in the face of defamation.
As the legal battle looms large, the outcome of this dispute will not only shape the narrative surrounding Emefiele’s legacy but also set a precedent for accountability and integrity in public discourse.
