Change Begins With Me: Lai Mohammed accuses newspaper of libel

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has demanded a retraction of libellous publications by the Daily Independent newspaper, Omo Bazuaye and Akin Fadeyi over “Change Begins With Me” campaign.
The minister made the demand in letters written to the newspaper, Bazuaye and Fadeyi by Falana & Falana’s Chamber, the law firm of a renown civil right activist and lawyer, Femi Falana.

The letters dated Sept. 19 and signed by a lawyer Oludare Falana was made available to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.



The first letter addressed to the Executive Editor of the newspaper alleged that the libelous statement was published in the Sept. 15 edition of the paper.

The law firm stated in the letter that the newspaper claimed in its publication that, ”Change Begins With Me Gulps N3.4 billion” and that the concept of the campaign was stolen by the minister.

It reads “Having damaged our client’s hard earned reputation by your reckless action, we have his instruction to demand a retraction of your libellous publication within seven days of the receipt of this letter.

“Take notice that if you fail or refuse to accede to our client’s demand, we have his instruction to sue you with a view to restoring his reputation which your reckless publication has damaged.”


In a joint letter addressed to Bazuaye and Fadeyi, the law firm said that the duo circulated in some online media that the concept of the Change Begins With Me campaign was stolen from them by the minister.

The law firm similarly demanded a retraction of the libellous publication within seven days of receipt of the letter or they face legal action.

NAN