Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has demanded the sum of ten billion Naira as compensation from the Chairman and Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Chapter over what he described as defamation of his character following a press statement issued by the two officials accusing him of ordering the arrest of one of its members, Mr. Nelson Omonu, in the state.
The two NUJ officials had withdrawn the statement and apologized to the governor over the erroneous information that led to their reaction, a move which the governor’s lawyer said was not enough.
Briefing newsmen in Katsina, Masari’s lawyer, Ernest Obunadike, noted that since the erroneous news was published and broadcast on several media outlets, the apology will only be accepted if the two journalists publish the apology it in at least eight national dailies and pay the sum of ten billion Naira as damages.
He said the widely published press statement had tarnished his client’s hard-earned reputation built over the decades, and exposed him to embarrassment, public ridicule and condemnation.
Obunadike threatened that if his client does not receive positive response within seven days he will file a libel suit against the two NUJ officials.
Isma’il Adamu
