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Rigging allegations : Ribadu threatens legal action against PDP chairman, demands N10bn

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National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu has called for a retraction of accusations made by Anthony Aziegbemi, the Edo State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Aziegbemi had alleged that Ribadu was involved in a scheme to rig the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.

In a statement circulated on Saturday, Aziegbemi accused the federal government of planning to manipulate the election.

He also also allegedly claimed that the NSA provided $2 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate as part of the plot.

Responding to these allegations, Ribadu, through a letter dated September 15, 2024, demanded that Aziegbemi retract the “totally false” statements.

The NSA’s lawyer, Marian Aigbedion of Charles Musa & Co, emphasized that the allegations were “malicious and libelous,” damaging Ribadu’s reputation and portraying him as an enabler of corruption.

“Your portrayal of our client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo State is entirely false,” Aigbedion stated.

She further highlighted Ribadu’s track record as a career police officer and the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), underscoring his commitment to fighting corruption.

Ribadu therefore demanded a public apology and a full retraction of the allegations.

Additionally, he has requested that the retraction be published as a full-page advertorial in at least five nationwide newspapers, ten reputable online news platforms, seven national and international TV stations, and ten radio channels.

Furthermore, the NSA is seeking N10 billion in damages for reputational harm.

The lawyers warned that failure to comply with these demands within seven days may lead to legal action to protect Ribadu’s rights.