Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to the suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has filed a N2 billion libel suit against former Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, and Channels Incorporated Limited, owners of Channels Television.
The lawsuit, filed at the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, stems from allegations aired on Channels Television on March 29, in which Nwaeke accused Ehie of masterminding the fire that gutted the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, among other claims.
Newsmen in March reported that Nwaeke accused Fubara of sponsoring the explosions that occurred at several oil facilities in the state.
He also alleged that Governor Fubara masterminded the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex in a bid to prevent his impeachment.
Nwaeke further alleged that during the political turmoil, Fubara instructed his then Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to set fire to the Assembly complex to prevent his impeachment.
He claimed he witnessed money being handed over for the operation at the Government House.
Ehie, who had debunked Nwaeke’s allegations, through his legal team, filed the suit against him, demanding N2 billion in general damages.
Ehie claimed that the televised allegations were baseless and gravely damaged his reputation, character, and public standing.
He described the broadcast as “false and most disparaging,” asserting it exposed him to public scandal, ridicule, and contempt, according to The Nation.
In addition to monetary compensation, Ehie is seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants from further publication or circulation of the said libelous statements.
He also requests a public retraction and formal apology from both defendants, to be broadcast on Channels TV, another national television network, and published in two widely circulated Nigerian newspapers.
Presiding over the matter, Justice Jumbo Stephens granted leave for substituted service on the first defendant, Dr. Nwaeke, by pasting court documents at his residence at No. 10 Olumeni Street, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.
The court also ordered that the suit be served via publication in a national daily newspaper with reach in Abuja and other parts of the country.
The case was adjourned to April 10 for proof of service.
