Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele has announced plans to sue Senate President Godswill Akpabio for defamation, seeking N25 billion in damages unless an apology is issued. Emefiele's lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, criticized Akpabio for allegedly suggesting that Emefiele was responsible for the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
Akpabio's statement, made during a thanksgiving service in Rivers State, implied that Emefiele left the Nigerian economy in disarray and that the government was unsure of the charges to levy against him. Emefiele's legal team argued that Akpabio's comments painted Emefiele as a "serial offender" responsible for all hardships experienced by Nigerians today, undermining the ex-CBN chief's integrity and independence.
Emefiele's lawyer accused Akpabio of subjudice, noting that Emefiele had been charged to court and was currently defending himself. The letter demanded an immediate retraction of Akpabio's statement and an unreserved apology, threatening legal action if these demands were not met. The letter emphasized the alleged damage caused to Emefiele's reputation and demanded N25 billion in compensation for the defamation.
Emefiele's legal team highlighted that all policies implemented by Emefiele during his tenure at the CBN were approved by the President and the Federal Executive Council. They stressed that the allegations made by Akpabio were baseless and false, causing significant harm to Emefiele's reputation and standing in society. The letter concluded by warning of further legal action if Akpabio failed to comply with their demands.
