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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (Rtd.), has slammed a N1 billion suit against a renowned preacher, Pastor Paul Rika, of the Holiness Revival Ministry Worldwide (HOREMOW), for defaming his character in a book written by the preacher.
Danjuma, through his counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) gave the preacher seven days to withdraw the defamatory statements contained in his book, ‘God’s Message To Kuteb Tribe And Indigenes Of Taraba State’.
In a memorandum setting out claim and an option for settlement in respect of libelous statements contained in the book, dated September 27, 2024, a copy of which was made available to our correspondent in Jos, the retired general said that his attention was drawn to the book by some of his mentees, who had purchased the book and read it.
Danjuma particularly complained about the content of about 49 pages of the book which he said impugned his character and ridiculed him between his friends and also jeopardised his business nationally and internationally.
The letter read in part: “We act as solicitors to General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd), on whose instructions we write.
“Our client is an elder statesman, who has served Nigeria in various capacities during his years of active service, including Chief of Army Staff from 1975 to 1979 and Minister of Defence from 1999 – 2003, amongst other notable positions held by him.
Danjuma said that the statements contained in the book are, in so far as they concern him, were, reckless, ill-advised, and highly defamatory of him, as they lack any iota of truth, and are calculated not only to bring him into public odium, hatred, and contempt but also to incite public ill-will and opprobrium against him, without any respect for his hard-earned reputation in Taraba State and Nigeria at large.
