The governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, has decided to withdraw his intention to sue Prof. Zachary Gundu, a lecturer at Benue varsity, for defamation.
Advertisements
This change comes after the intervention of the Tor Tiv, HRM James Ayatse. Governor Sule has chosen not to pursue legal action against Prof. Gundu, who is the leader of Tiv Professionals, regarding alleged defamatory and libellous remarks.
During a recent town hall meeting hosted by NewsCentral TV, Prof. Gundu accused Governor Sule of creating a safe environment for “Fulani” terrorists and giving away the land of his citizens to foreigners.
Governor Sule found these comments to be offensive and requested a retraction and an apology, warning that he would take legal action if they were not addressed.
His lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, stated that Prof. Gundu’s remarks portrayed Gov. Sule as “a sympathiser, protector, and enabler of the armed bandits who have caused destruction in Benue State.”
In response, Prof. Gundu, through his attorney, Chief Sebastine Hon, SAN, challenged the Nasarawa governor, suggesting he should proceed to court.
The Mzough U Tiv (MUT), in a statement from its President General, Chief CP Iorbee Ihagh (retd), urged “all Tiv sons and daughters to lay down their arms and refrain from making further comments on the issue for the sake of peace.”
“The intervention by the paramount ruler of the Tiv nation has resulted in a resolution of the issue and a commitment from HE Engr Sule not to pursue his intention to seek legal action against Prof Gundu regarding this matter.
“Thus, following the intervention of the Tor Tiv, HRM, Prof James Iorzua Ayatse, and the readiness of HE Engr A.A. Sule to retract his plans to go to court over this issue, I appeal to all Tiv sons and daughters to lay down their arms and stop making further comments on the matter, in the interest of peace.”
Chief Ihagh praised the Nasarawa governor for what he referred to as his “peaceful disposition and