Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has issued an apology to Umar Damagun, the acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, the acting National Secretary.
The apology follows alleged defamatory remarks made by Adeyanju during a podcast interview. In the interview, he accused Damagun of “serving tea” and Anyanwu of “serving kilishi” at the residence of Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu. He also claimed that Damagun and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, were acting as moles for Tinubu within the PDP.
Damagun and Anyanwu had threatened legal action, citing civil and criminal defamation. In response, Adeyanju’s law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, sent a letter dated December 6 retracting the statements and apologizing for any harm caused.
The letter, signed by Zainab Otega, emphasized that the comments were not meant to defame the PDP leaders. “Any perception of defamation in the said statements is regretted and withdrawn with apologies,” the letter read.
It further stated: “Our client’s statements on the podcast were taken out of the bigger context of the conversation, which focused on the need for the PDP leadership to provide strong opposition to the ruling party.”
The letter reiterated Adeyanju’s commitment to advocating for Nigeria’s progress. “As a human rights activist, our client remains committed to the betterment of Nigeria and will continue to urge those in leadership to prioritize the interests of Nigerians over personal interests,” it added.
