Former Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District, Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu, has threatened to sue the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, for alleged defamation.
Recall that Akpabio had named the former lawmaker as one of the persons that received contracts from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, Anyanwu said he has already informed his lawyers about the development and is ready to seek redress for what he described as “defamation of character.”
He said Akpabio who wrongly accused him must prove beyond doubts that he siphoned funds earmarked for the execution of contracts.
Anyanwu noted that he had the right to lobby for projects for his senatorial district, saying that Akpabio was also a member of the Niger Delta Affairs committee in the 8th Senate and also lobbied for contracts for his senatorial district.
He denied claims that he personally executed contracts as claimed by Akpabio, adding that such claim was cheap blackmail.
He said: “I have been calling Akpabio and he has not been picking up my calls. I wanted to personally hear from him before addressing the media. What he said were false and Nigerians should not take it seriously.
“I have met with my lawyers. I have instructed them to write to Akpabio to withdraw those claims and tender an apology. If he fails to do that, I’ll take the necessary steps and institute an action against him.
“My name has been maligned and this is unfair. Even the projects they’re referring to in my senatorial district have not been funded till date. How can they accuse me like that?”
