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…Threatens legal action against perpetrators
Former member of the House of Representatives and governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Farah Dagogo, has categorically dismissed reports alleging that he instituted legal proceedings against the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the party’s Rivers State governorship primary.
The reports, which have been circulated across social media platforms and other communication channels, claimed that Dagogo approached a court to challenge the party’s governorship primary and that the purported suit was subsequently dismissed.
Describing the reports as entirely false, misleading and unauthorised, Dagogo maintained that he neither instituted nor authorised any legal action against the ADC in connection with its governorship primary or any other internal party matter.
In a statement personally signed by him on Monday, the former federal legislator described the publication as a deliberate attempt to misrepresent his position, damage his reputation and create unnecessary tension within the political environment in Rivers State.
“My attention has been drawn to a false and misleading publication being circulated by certain individuals, alleging that I instituted a court action against the African Democratic Congress over its Rivers State governorship primary and that the purported suit was dismissed by a court.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state categorically that I, Dr. Farah Dagogo, never instituted any suit against the ADC, whether in respect of its Rivers State governorship primary or any other matter concerning the party.
“I did not brief or instruct any legal practitioner to commence such proceedings on my behalf. I did not depose to any affidavit for that purpose, nor did I authorise the preparation, execution or filing of any originating process in my name against the party.
“Consequently, any publication suggesting otherwise is false, unauthorised and wholly without factual foundation. I strongly condemn the use of my name in connection with proceedings I neither instituted nor authorised, ” he said.
Dagogo challenged those responsible for originating and circulating the allegations to provide verifiable documentary evidence to substantiate their claims.
He specifically demanded the disclosure of the alleged suit number, the name and location of the court, the date of filing, the identity of the legal practitioner purportedly representing him, and certified true copies of the originating processes, affidavits and any consequential court orders allegedly issued in the matter.
“I challenge anyone making these allegations to produce the relevant suit number, identify the court in which the purported action was instituted, disclose the date of filing and name the counsel allegedly engaged to represent me.
“They should also make available certified true copies of the originating processes, affidavits and any judgment or court order said to have emanated from the proceedings.
“These are basic and verifiable particulars of judicial proceedings. Anyone making such a serious allegation should have no difficulty producing them if the claims are genuine.
“I have no knowledge of, and have given no authority for, any such proceedings. The use of my name in connection with a purported court action that I never authorised raises serious questions of possible impersonation, forgery and other unlawful conduct, which must be properly investigated, ” the statement explained.
The former lawmaker further warned that the unauthorised use of his identity and the publication or circulation of demonstrably false allegations capable of damaging his reputation may attract civil and, where the necessary statutory ingredients are established, criminal liability under applicable Nigerian laws.
He noted that the relevant provisions of Nigerian law include the laws governing defamation, forgery and impersonation, as well as applicable provisions regulating unlawful online communications.
Dagogo disclosed that he had instructed his legal team to investigate the origin, authorship and circulation of the publication, identify those responsible and take appropriate legal steps to protect his reputation, personal rights and interests.
He emphasised that all persons involved in creating, reproducing, publishing or knowingly disseminating the alleged falsehood would be expected to account for their actions in accordance with the law.
“I have instructed my legal team to investigate this matter comprehensively, establish the origin and circumstances surrounding the publication, identify those responsible and take all appropriate legal steps available to protect my rights and reputation.
“Where the evidence establishes actionable defamation, forgery, impersonation or any other offence recognised by law, I will not hesitate to pursue the appropriate civil and legal remedies through the competent institutions.
“Let it be clearly understood that freedom of expression does not confer an unrestricted licence to fabricate court proceedings, falsely attribute legal actions to individuals or deliberately publish statements capable of unlawfully damaging another person’s reputation.
“I have profound respect for the judiciary and the rule of law. I will continue to exercise my rights through lawful and constitutional means. However, I have not taken the ADC to court over its Rivers State governorship primary, and no one should attempt to manufacture a contrary narrative in my name.”
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic values, political tolerance and good governance, Dagogo urged members of the public, political associates, supporters and stakeholders in Rivers State to disregard the publication and refrain from further circulating unverified claims.
He maintained that his political engagements and aspirations would not be derailed by what he described as deliberate attempts to misrepresent his actions and create unnecessary controversy.
“I remain a law-abiding citizen, a committed democrat and a firm believer in the rule of law, due process and the independence of the judiciary.
“My commitment remains the advancement of good governance, democratic development and the collective interests of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria.
“I will not be distracted by false narratives, political mischief or attempts to associate me with actions I have neither contemplated nor authorised.
“I therefore urge the general public, my supporters, political associates and all well-meaning citizens to disregard the purported report and refrain from giving further circulation to information that has not been substantiated by credible evidence.
“Those responsible should desist from this conduct and allow the political process to proceed on the basis of truth, integrity and mutual respect, ” a part of the statement added.
