Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is considering legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, seeking N25 billion in damages for alleged defamation of character.

Emefiele’s lawyer, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, issued a letter to the Senate President, demanding a written apology published through the same medium used for the alleged defamation. Additionally, they are seeking N25 billion as compensation for the perceived damage to Emefiele’s reputation.

The accusations stem from Akpabio’s recent statement on Channels Television, where he accused Emefiele of unauthorized naira note printing and possessing illicit firearms. Emefiele’s legal representation contends that Akpabio’s remarks insinuate that Emefiele is responsible for the country’s current hardships, portraying him as a “serial offender” and attributing the nation’s challenges to the policies of the previous administration.

The letter emphasizes the inappropriateness of Akpabio’s comments, considering that Emefiele is already facing charges related to the accusations mentioned. It stresses the potential prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings and calls for a retraction of the statements.

Furthermore, Emefiele’s lawyer highlights Akpabio’s role in the previous administration, asserting that the allegations are inconsistent with Akpabio’s firsthand knowledge of Emefiele’s contributions to the banking sector and handling of national issues.

In conclusion, the letter demands an immediate retraction of Akpabio’s statements and a written apology, failing which Emefiele reserves the right to pursue legal redress under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.