Lauretta Onochie, an aide to President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to allegation of defamation against Atiku Abubakar.
Mr Abubakar, a former vice president, is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in this year’s general election.
The PDP candidate lost the election to Mr Buhari who sought re-election on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). The former number two citizen popularly known as Atiku is currently at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal challenging the outcome of the exercise.
Trouble started when the presidential aide alleged that Atiku has travelled to the United Arab Emirate (UAE) to shop for terrorists who will make the country ungovernable for her principal.
A week later, the current administration on which she serves made allegations similar to the one she made.
But reacting on the allegation against him the PDP candidate urged Ms Onochie to retract the allegation, publish an apology in not less than six (6) national dailies and on social media with a compensation of N500 million for damages.
Forty-Eight (48) hours was given as the duration for the apology and retraction after which a legal redress will be filed against her if not complied with.
On Monday morning, Onochie has reacted, vowing not to back down while insisting on not being distracted.
“I can’t be distracted. Truly I can’t for very simple reasons,” the presidential aide said in a Facebook post while listing her points.
- I have a great family that thinks the world of me.
- My friends are fiercely loyal and committed because they know me.
- 34 million Buharists across world are on standby. Always.
- I have the witness of a clear conscience.
- I love Nigeria and her wellbeing is my focus.
Onochie is known for spreading fake news. Prior to the presidential election, she tweeted packs of take away rice with N500 notes attached to the foods as the reward Atiku gave to the crowd who attended his rally.
Even the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has warned her principal that she be cautioned. POLITICS TIMES as at press time could not verify if this has been done.