Due to a purportedly defamatory statement made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has requested N25 billion in damages from the senator.
The accusations against Emefiele are so numerous that the federal government is unsure which ones to bring against him, according to Akpabio, who made the claim last weekend.
The President of the Senate attributed the nation’s present economic woes to the former governor of the CBN’s policies.
Emefiele’s attorney, Matthew Burkaa, threatened to take “appropriate redress” from Akpabio if the former governor of the CBN does not pay the specified amount and offer an apology.
As the head of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Your Excellency is undoubtedly aware, or you have good reason to be aware, of the fact that the Federal Government of Nigeria has been pressing charges against Our client since August 14, 2023, to which he has long since entered a plea of not guilty. He is currently defending these charges to clear his name and demonstrate that he is innocent of the charges made against him.
Therefore, it is troubling that the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Head of the Legislature would make such a declaration on an issue that is obviously under dispute.
“With all due respect, your comment seriously compromises the independence, honor, and integrity of the court and could potentially harm Our Client’s case.
“It is only fair and proper that the Court be allowed to decide the issues submitted to it without needless pressure from any other arm of Government, having submitted to the jurisdiction of the Court.”
“Secondly, Sir, your statement blaming our client alone for the nation’s current economic problems is extremely offensive and highlights the falsehoods in your claims as a Senior Member of the Bar, a former Governor of a State, a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a former Minister under the previous Administration.
In particular, given that you played a significant role in the previous administration, collaborated closely with our client, and really saw the advancements he brought about in the banking industry and how they affected the economy while he was in office.
The attorney added, “as well as the role he played in rescuing Nigeria in the P & ID Saga and the positive result it brought for Nigeria, despite all odds.”