The management of Arise TV has been given a seven-day ultimatum to apologize and pay N5 billion in damages to Emperor Jarret Tenebe, the Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Senator Monday Okpebholo, the state’s Governor-Elect, for allegedly misrepresenting them in a recent broadcast.
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According to a legal firm, Martin Omo-Ighekpe and co., representing the petitioners, the alleged misrepresentation occurred during a campaign at Iguadolor Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State on September 2, 2024. A viral video circulating on social media showed Senator Okpebholo, the APC candidate in the September 21, 2024 Gubernatorial Election, being “maliciously, falsely, and libelously quoted” as saying, “We are going to provide you with insecurity.”
The legal counsel for the petitioners stated that the “malicious, false, and libelous broadcast” aired on Arise TV, including the program “The Morning Show,” was a “radical departure from the essence of journalism and a total disregard to professionalism.” They questioned the aim of the broadcast, suggesting that it was intended to paint their clients as irresponsible and unfit for the office of Governor of Edo State.
The law firm is demanding an immediate apology to their clients in both print and electronic media, as well as the airing of a program centered on the need to verify information circulating on social media. They are also seeking the payment of N5 billion in damages for the alleged malicious, false, and libelous airing of the viral video.
The petitioners’ legal team stressed that they would provide Arise TV with their clients’ account details for the payment of the demanded sum upon the fulfillment of the written apology in a full page of a national newspaper and the airing of a program aimed at educating Nigerians on the need to be careful in accepting viral video clips circulating on social media, as well as an acknowledgment of the error made by the organization against their clients.
The legal dispute between the Edo APC leaders and Arise TV has garnered significant attention, with many closely following the developments in the case. The outcome of this legal battle could have implications for the media landscape in Nigeria and the responsibility of news organizations in verifying and reporting on information circulating on social media.
As the seven-day ultimatum draws to a close, all eyes are on Arise TV to see how they will respond to the demands made by the petitioners and whether a resolution can be reached without further legal escalation.
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