Admin.
Former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has threatened to take legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio for what he alleges is defamation.
Akpabio, speaking at Senator Barinada Mpigi’s thanksgiving service in Koroma, Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State on February 18, made remarks suggesting that Emefiele’s administration had contributed to Nigeria’s economic challenges under President Bola Tinubu.
In response, Emefiele, through his legal representative Mathew Burkaa (SAN), issued a letter to Akpabio demanding a written apology published in the media or face lawsuit.
In the letter dated February 19, Emefiele asserted that Akpabio’s comments portrayed him as the cause of Nigeria’s hardships, which he deemed defamatory and damaging.
Emefiele emphasized the sensitivity of the matter as it could prejudice his ongoing trial, and he called for respect for the court’s independence.
Moreover, Emefiele criticized Akpabio for attributing Nigeria’s economic woes solely to him, highlighting Akpabio’s past roles and his own limited autonomy in decision-making during his tenure.
Emefiele urged Akpabio to retract his statement and issue a public apology, warning of legal action if he failed to comply.
The former CBN governor’s legal team demanded an unreserved apology and compensation of N25 billion for the alleged defamation, signaling their readiness to seek redress through legal channels.