Dr. Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, did not mince words when defending his reputation. She is hitting back at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) with the threat of a hefty $50 million lawsuit.
In a letter written by her legal representative, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and sent to both the BBC Abuja and London offices, Edu is making her position clear: she She will not support what she considers defamation.
At the heart of the matter is a BBC report suggesting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered N30 billion linked to Edu in an ongoing corruption probe. But Edu vehemently denies these allegations, saying they have tarnished her image and caused her great distress.
The letter, also shared with SaharaReporters, highlights the emotional toll the BBC report has caused Edu. It wasn’t just damage to her reputation; it is about the personal anguish she is going through as a result of these statements.
Edu’s legal team argued that the BBC’s reporting needed more solid evidence and upheld fundamental journalistic principles of fairness and impartiality. They said the tone of the article suggested guilt without giving Edu a chance to defend himself.
In response, Edu’s lawyers are demanding a retraction and apology from the BBC. Additionally, they are seeking a whopping $50 million in damages for the damage caused to their customers’ reputations and well-being.
As this legal battle unfolds, it’s clear that both sides are entrenched. The question now is: How will the BBC respond and what does this mean for Dr Betta Edu and her quest for justice?
