A youth group in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State has threatened to take legal action against one Mr. Nuru Alhijo, a social media user, over a publication deemed to be fake news by the concerned authorities. The publication targeted the Taraba State Commissioner for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Habu James Philip.
According to the Nigerian Tribune, Mr. Alhijo recently published allegations of molestation and harassment against the commissioner. However, after investigations, the relevant authorities concluded that the claims were baseless and aimed at tarnishing the commissioner’s reputation and discrediting the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas.
In response, the youth group, through its president, Mr. Micky Habu, issued a seven-day ultimatum to Mr. Alhijo to retract the publication or face legal action.
The group described Alhijo’s actions as malicious and envious, suspecting them to be sponsored by adversaries of Governor Kefas’s administration.
“Dear Nuru Alhijo, your recent open letter against the Commissioner for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. James Philip Habu, has been brought to our attention. While it is your democratic right to express your opinions, it is concerning that you have chosen to publish unverified allegations that are not only defamatory but appear to serve a malicious agenda.
“It is worth cautioning you against allowing yourself to be used by political detractors whose aim is to tarnish the reputation of hardworking individuals in the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas. Hon. James Philip Habu is a respected public servant whose contributions to the fight against poverty and the empowerment of youths in Taraba State have been widely recognized.
“Your claims about the Commissioner’s alleged misconduct lack evidence and are clearly designed to mislead the public. Such baseless accusations do not reflect well on you or the youths of Bali Local Government Area whom you claim to represent. Instead of spreading misinformation, you are advised to channel your energy into constructive ventures that will better your life and contribute to the development of your community.
“We demand that you immediately retract your defamatory statements against Hon. James Philip Habu within seven (7) days of receiving this reply. Failure to comply will leave us with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings to protect the Commissioner’s reputation and integrity.
“Let this serve as a final warning to refrain from publishing defamatory and unfounded allegations. The administration of Governor Agbu Kefas values constructive engagement, not baseless attacks on its officials”. The group Messaged.
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