Ortom Sues Akume For N60bn

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has instituted a N60bn lawsuit against the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume.

Gatekeepers News reports that Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, North Central Nigeria, on Friday instituted a N60bn lawsuit against the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs and former Governor of the state, Senator George Akume, at the Makurdi High Court.

Akume had during a press conference in Abuja accused the governor of ineptitude, disrespect for the President, and massive corruption.

Akume also called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Benue State, saying that Ortom had lost control of the security situation in the state.

He also condemned what it called the governor’s “penchant for verbally attacking” President Muhammadu Buhari without regard for his age and office.

Ortom complained that the press conference was intended to lower his estimation before right-thinking members of society and to expose him to hatred, contempt and ridicule.

The suit No. MHC/268/2021 was filed by Okon N. Efut, SAN and four other lawyers.

The writ of summons was backed by 17-paragraph statement of claim.

Ortom, in the statement of claim, is seeking a declaration that the text of Senator Akume’s press conference on 30th August, 2021, in Abuja and the reports in various national dailies is scandalous, malicious and injurious to his person.

He’s also seeking amongst others, a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant by himself or through any agent, servants or privies from similar or further publication of any defamatory statement against him.