ABIA GOVERNOR TAKES APC SPOKESPERSON TO COURT, DEMANDS RETRACTION, APOLOGY AND ₦5BN DAMAGES
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has dragged the Abia State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Uche Aguoru, before the High Court of Abia State, Umuahia Judicial Division, demanding ₦5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory publications made on Facebook.
The suit followed publications attributed to Aguoru in which the APC spokesman allegedly made several serious allegations against Governor Otti, including accusations of corruption, diversion of public funds, abuse of office, political inducement, interference in the affairs of another political party and alleged interference with the judiciary.
Governor Otti, through the suit, is challenging the claims and maintaining that the statements published against him were false, malicious and defamatory.
The Governor is asking the court to determine whether the publications complained of are defamatory of his person and reputation.
Among the reliefs being sought by the Governor is an order compelling Aguoru to retract the alleged defamatory statements and publish an unreserved apology.
Otti is also asking the court to restrain the defendant from making further publications of similar allegations against him.
The Governor is further demanding ₦5 billion in damages, in addition to the costs of the legal action.
The development has brought the political disagreement between the Abia State Government and the opposition into the courtroom, with the allegations now subject to judicial scrutiny.
The case also highlights the growing use of civil defamation suits by public officials and political actors seeking to challenge damaging statements made against them in the media and on social media platforms.
Unlike political exchanges where allegations and counter-allegations can continue publicly, a defamation action places the disputed claims before a court, where the parties will have the opportunity to present their respective positions and evidence.
The Governor’s decision to pursue the matter through the court comes amid continued political activities and disagreements between the ruling administration and opposition parties in Abia State.
A defamation suit, however, does not by itself establish that the allegations made by the defendant are false or that the defendant is liable. Those issues remain matters for determination by the court based on the evidence and applicable law.
The defendant, Uche Aguoru, will have the opportunity to respond to the suit and defend the publications attributed to him.
The case is therefore expected to attract attention as the court considers the competing claims between the Governor and the APC spokesperson.
The ₦5 billion claim is also significant, reflecting the seriousness with which Governor Otti says he regards the alleged publications and the damage they allegedly caused to his reputation.
As the matter proceeds, the court will determine whether the publications complained of meet the legal requirements for defamation and, if liability is established, what remedies may be appropriate.
IBN News understands that the allegations contained in the suit remain allegations until determined by the court.
