Labour Party Defends Senator Nenadi Usman Against Defamatory Claims, Demands Retraction and Apology
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On Tuesday, members of the Labour Party from the South-South region, operating under the banner of the Core Social Democrats, publicly refuted a defamatory report targeting former Minister of Finance, Senator Nenadi Usman.
The group, led by Eric Ifere, issued a statement defending Usman against claims made by a news platform that she is currently facing prosecution in various courts for alleged financial misconduct. The report had alleged that Usman was involved in a financial scandal involving ₦2.5 billion allegedly received from the office of the former National Security Adviser ahead of the 2015 presidential election, and that she had returned ₦140 million from this amount.
The Core Social Democrats asserted that Senator Nenadi Usman has consistently demonstrated law-abiding behavior and unwavering loyalty to the party, challenging the veracity of the accusations and standing by her integrity.
The report also mentioned that Senator Nenadi Usman had surrendered two of her properties to the federal government as part of a deal for her release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s custody.
On September 4, Usman was appointed to lead the Labour Party’s 29-member Caretaker Committee during an extended stakeholders’ meeting in Umuahia, Abia State. This committee has been entrusted with addressing the party’s ongoing leadership crisis. Its responsibilities include organizing a convention within 90 days to elect a new leader who will be chosen through a process from the ward level to the national stage.
In response to the report, Eric Ifere criticized it as malicious, stating that the charges against Senator Nenadi Usman had been dismissed by the Court of Appeal in Lagos, presided over by Justice Mohammed Ambi-Usi, on April 20, 2023.
The Core Social Democrats, a faction of the Labour Party in the South-South region, issued a statement condemning the falsehoods propagated by an online news platform about Usman. The statement emphasized that the recent allegations were unfounded and highlighted Usman’s recent appointment as the chair of the party’s Caretaker Committee.
In respons to the report published on September 6, 2024, the Core Social Democrats denounced the claims as false, baseless, and malicious. The report alleged that Senator Nenadi Usman had returned ₦140 million of an alleged ₦2.5 billion received from the former National Security Adviser prior to the 2015 presidential election, and that she had surrendered two houses to the federal government as a condition for her release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody.
Eric Ifere, representing the group, emphasized that these allegations were unfounded and inappropriate, particularly since the Court of Appeal had dismissed all charges against Usman. He condemned the news platform for insinuating guilt without evidence and for spreading misinformation. Ifere highlighted that there is no proof supporting the claim that Usman returned any funds or properties in relation to any criminal proceedings. He expressed deep concern over the unjust attack on Usman’s character, underscoring the importance of truth and justice in a democratic society.
In conclusion, the Core Social Democrats have firmly demanded that the news platform retract its defamatory story and issue a public apology immediately. They emphasized that this request is not merely a plea but a significant demand, warning that failure to comply could lead to legal action from Senator Nenadi Usman, potentially harming the reputation of the news outlet and incurring substantial costs.
The group urged Sahara Reporters to act responsibly by correcting the serious injustice done to Senator Usman’s reputation without further delay. They underscored their commitment to justice and fairness, highlighting the Labour Party’s dedication to upholding these principles.
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