By Lukman Olabiyi
Senator Chris Anyanwu, journalist and former federal lawmaker, has given former Imo State governor, Ikedi Ohakim, a seven-day ultimatum to retract what she calls defamatory statements made about her.
The statements, which were allegedly instigated by Ohakim and published in various media outlets, have been deemed offensive by Anyanwu.
The demand was conveyed to Ohakim in a pre-litigation letter dated January 28, 2025, written by her counsel, Umeh Kalu.
In an interview, Ohakim had responded to claims made against him in Anyanwu’s book, Bold Leap, by accusing her of benefiting from a military regime and failing to mention an apology she supposedly made to the late military ruler. He further alleged that Anyanwu had lied about him.
The pre-litigation letter outlined that Ohakim’s statements, published in media outlets, contained damaging and unfounded accusations.
These included allegations that Anyanwu had ties to a military dictatorship, using it for political gain, and that she was a liar, hypocrite, opportunist, and electoral offender, among other insults.
Anyanwu’s counsel denied all the allegations, labeling them as malicious and intended to tarnish her reputation.
The letter demanded that Ohakim retract the defamatory statements by publishing an apology in two national newspapers, including The Nation, within seven days of receiving the letter.
Should Ohakim fail to comply, the letter warns that Anyanwu will pursue appropriate legal action.