Masari Slams N10b Lawsuit On FCT NUJ Leaders For Defamation Of Character

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has slammed a N10 billion lawsuit against two FCT Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) leaders for alleged defamation of character.

The governor also demanded that the reporters tender a written apology and publish same in eight national dailies within the next one week.

Findings by The Lawyer revealed that Masari’s suit was not unconnected with a press statement issued on January 2, by two journalists: Emmanuel Ogbeche and Ochaika Ugwu, Chairman and Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, respectively.

In their statement, the reporters had accused Masari of ordering security operatives to arrest another reporter, Nelson Omonu who works with the Summit Post Newspaper, Abuja.

They alleged that Masari ordered the arrest over an allegation of character defamation by Nelson, and whisked him away in ‘commando style’ to Katsina.

Recall also that the two journalists had since issued another statement some hours after the first one, where they apologised for mistaking Masari for another person who had ordered the reporters arrest.

However, the Governor through his lawyer, E.O Obunadike, said the apology was inadequate, even as he demanded for N10 billion in damages and an apology in eight national dailies.

Masari’s lawyer said, “The first press statement had in no small measure, blisteringly defamed, injured the character and hard earned reputation of our client which was painstakingly built and nurtured over decades, thereby exposing him to a lot of embarrassment, public ridicule and condemnation.”

The Lawyer further threatened that his client would take legitimate steps in accordance with the provisions of the law towards initiating criminal and civil proceedings should the reporters refuse to respond within seven days.