Otti Sues Abia APC Publicity Secretary for ₦5bn Over Alleged Defamation

Umuahia, Abia State: Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has instituted a ₦5 billion defamation suit against the state Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Uche Aguoru, over alleged defamatory publications on Facebook.

The suit, filed before the High Court of Abia State, Umuahia Judicial Division, followed a series of social media publications in which Aguoru allegedly accused the governor of corruption, diversion of public funds, abuse of office, political inducement, interference in the affairs of another political party and judicial intimidation.

Governor Otti, in the suit, described the allegations as false, malicious and defamatory, and is asking the court to declare the publications defamatory and unlawful.

The governor is also seeking an order compelling the defendant to retract the alleged defamatory statements and publish an unreserved apology, as well as an injunction restraining him from making further similar publications.

In addition, Governor Otti is demanding ₦5 billion in damages and costs over the alleged injury to his reputation.

The matter is now before the High Court for determination.

As the case remains pending, the allegations, claims and counterclaims of the parties are subject to judicial determination.