FUBARA’S CHIEF OF STAFF SUES FORMER RIVERS HEAD OF SERVICE, CHANNELS TV FOR ₦2 BILLION OVER LIBEL

FUBARA’S CHIEF OF STAFF SUES FORMER RIVERS HEAD OF SERVICE, CHANNELS TV FOR ₦2 BILLION OVER LIBEL

Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has instituted a ₦2 billion libel lawsuit against former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, and Channels Incorporated Limited, owners of Channels Television.

The suit, filed at the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, is in response to allegations broadcast on Channels Television on March 29, in which Dr. Nwaeke accused Ehie of orchestrating the fire that razed the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, among other serious claims.

According to a previous report by SaharaReporters, Nwaeke alleged that Governor Fubara was behind several explosions at oil facilities across the state. He further claimed that the governor masterminded the arson attack on the State Assembly to thwart efforts to impeach him.

Nwaeke also alleged that during the political unrest, Governor Fubara directed his then Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to set the legislative complex ablaze, stating that he personally witnessed funds being disbursed for the operation within Government House.

In response, Ehie, through his legal team, denied all accusations and filed the libel suit, demanding ₦2 billion in general damages. He argued that the statements made during the broadcast were entirely unfounded and had severely harmed his reputation, character, and public image.

Describing the televised allegations as "false and most disparaging," Ehie stated that the broadcast subjected him to public scandal, ridicule, and contempt. He is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further dissemination of the alleged defamatory remarks.

Additionally, the Chief of Staff is requesting a public apology and a formal retraction from both defendants, to be aired on Channels TV, another national television station, and published in two widely circulated national newspapers.

Presiding over the case, Justice Jumbo Stephens granted leave for substituted service on Dr. Nwaeke by posting court documents at his residence located at No. 10 Olumeni Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt. The judge also ordered that notice of the suit be published in a national daily newspaper with widespread circulation, including in Abuja and other regions of the country.

The matter has been adjourned to April 10 for proof of service.