*…Seeks ₦1 Billion in Damages for Defamation
Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, has taken legal steps against Mkor Aondona Donatus, Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Research and Documentation, over allegations of financial misconduct. Ortom’s legal team has issued a demand notice, describing Mkor’s allegations as defamatory, malicious, and baseless.
The demand, routed through the office of the Secretary to the Benue State Government, insists that Mkor retract his statements and issue an apology, or face legal action. The former Governor is also seeking ₦1 billion in damages for what his counsel termed “criminal defamation, cyberstalking, malicious falsehood, and libelous online publications.”
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST CHIEF ORTOM
On November 8, 2024, Mkor published a Facebook post under the headline, “May God Almighty Never Allow The Wickedness Of An Ortom To Overshadow His Glory!” The post accused Chief Ortom of several financial improprieties during his administration, including alleged misuse of funds meant for the Daudu Cargo Airport and the Igumale Cement Factory, tax evasion, and converting state-owned equipment for personal use.
The publication, widely shared on social media, sparked significant public discourse. Many users, relying on the claims, criticized the former Governor. The following day, Mkor reportedly doubled down on his allegations, dismissing suggestions of legal repercussions.
LEGAL RESPONSE FROM CHIEF ORTOM
Chief Ortom, through his counsel, Barrister S. E. Irabor, has denied all the allegations, describing them as “utterly false, unsubstantiated, and malicious.” The demand notice emphasized the damage the publication caused to Ortom’s reputation, noting that it was designed to bring him “public ridicule, hatred, and opprobrium.”
Specific Denials:
1. Daudu Cargo Airport and Igumale Cement Factory:
Chief Ortom’s counsel stated that no state funds were spent on either the proposed airport or the cement factory during Ortom’s administration.
2. Water Factory Ownership:
The letter categorically denied that Ortom owns a water factory near the River Benue or has faced any legal issues related to tax evasion.
3. Misuse of State Equipment:
The former Governor also rejected claims that he diverted industrial machines meant for state use to his private ventures.
4. Research Accuracy:
The demand notice questioned Mkor’s credibility as a researcher, suggesting his allegations reflected poor judgment and unverified documentation practices.
ORTOM’S DEMANDS
The demand notice outlined several actions Mkor must take to avoid litigation:
1. Retraction and Apology:
Mkor must issue a formal retraction and apology to Chief Ortom. The letter should address the false claims and be widely disseminated.
2. Media Coverage:
The retraction must be published in at least five national newspapers circulating in Benue State. Additionally, it should be aired on prominent media platforms, including Arise News, Channels Television, AIT, TVC News, Nigerian Television Authority, Radio Benue, and Harvest FM Makurdi.
3. Written Undertaking:
Mkor is required to provide a written assurance that he will refrain from making similar defamatory statements in the future.
4. Monetary Damages:
Chief Ortom is seeking ₦1 billion in exemplary, aggravated, and general damages for the harm caused to his reputation.
A DAMAGED REPUTATION
The notice stressed the irreparable damage done to Chief Ortom’s reputation, both as a public figure and a private citizen. “By your deliberate design, you ensured that these defamatory and libelous falsehoods received prominent attention on social media platforms where gullible persons took turns to pour invectives on our client,” the letter stated.
Ortom’s legal team argued that the allegations were not only untrue but crafted with malice to undermine his credibility and legacy as a former Governor.
MKOR’S INCONSISTENCIES
The demand notice also highlighted contradictions in Mkor’s behavior. In previous public statements, Mkor had praised Chief Ortom’s administration. The letter referenced instances where Mkor described Ortom’s leadership as purposeful and visionary, making his current allegations appear inconsistent and politically motivated.
PUBLIC REACTIONS
Support for Ortom
Prominent Benue citizens and political commentators have rallied behind Chief Ortom. Many have condemned Mkor’s actions, describing them as a smear campaign aimed at distracting from pressing state issues.
Calls for Accountability
Some stakeholders have called on the Benue State Government to investigate the role of its appointees in promoting unverified claims against opposition figures.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
Legal experts have weighed in on the case, noting that if Mkor fails to meet Ortom’s demands, the matter could set a precedent for how social media defamation is addressed in Nigeria. “This case could redefine the boundaries of free speech and accountability on digital platforms,” one analyst remarked.
ORTOM’S LEGACY AND FOCUS
Despite the controversy, Chief Ortom remains committed to his post-gubernatorial activities, including his work on agriculture and community development in Benue State. He has urged his supporters to remain calm while the matter is resolved.
In his words: “I will not be deterred by baseless accusations. My focus remains on serving my people and contributing to the development of Benue State and Nigeria.”
A WAY FORWARD
Chief Ortom’s legal team has given Mkor a stipulated timeline to comply with the demands outlined in the notice. Failure to do so will result in legal proceedings to compel compliance and seek justice for the harm caused.
Meanwhile, political observers have called for restraint and constructive engagement, urging all parties to prioritize the state’s development over personal vendettas.
Written by David Mzer
