Rivers

Libel Suit: Court Orders Thisday Newspapers To Pay Wike N200m As Damages

Published

4 years ago

March 3, 2023

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has delivered judgment against ThisDay Newspaper wherein it is asked to pay N200million as damages in favour of Governor Nyesom Wike, for its libellous publication against him.
Defendants in the suit No. PHC/1505/CS/2020 are Thisday Newspapers Limited, Leaders and Company Limited, Davidson Iriekpan, Chuks Okocha and Adibe Emenyonu.
ThisDay Newspapers had published a malicious article entitled; “With a Friend Like Wike, Obaseki Meets His PDP’s Waterloo; Almost …”
Governor Wike had filed a N7 billion suit against the newspaper company and three of its staff.
In the suit, Wike had claimed that the newspaper’s publication of June 23, 2020 was intended to damage his character; portray him as deceitful and untrustworthy person.
The presiding judge of the High Court, Justice Adolphus Enebeli, while delivering judgment on the matter on Monday, found ThisDay Newspapers to have committed the libellous offence against Governor Wike.
“From whatever angle one looks at it, I cannot but hold that the claimant has proved that the said article published in ThisDay Newspapers and its online version of 23rd of June, 2020 were purely defamatory of the claimant and he has been injured in his person, trade, professional body and is hereby entitled to damage.”
Justice Enebeli declared the offensive and malicious article against Governor Wike as demonstratively false even to the knowledge of the defendants, as they did not honestly believe the facts to be true. And yet in a bid to portray their recklessness, they went ahead to publish the libellous article.
“The claimant, apart from being the governor of Rivers State, a politician, he is also a lawyer by profession by calling, and he is a life bencher, an august body of the legal profession and with numerous national and state laurels as evidence show. It will not be just and right for him to live with a permanent apparent stigma of being an influencer of court cases and judges as if noble judges are his lackeys and protegees.”
Justice Enebeli asserted that the offensive article is injurious to Governor Wike’s reputation, his profession and calling. He noted that the defendants were requested earlier on to retract the article and render apology through the newspaper, but they treated it with vexatious rebuff, intransigent, maintaining their stand.
According to him, this is even exhibited in the demeanour and the manner of answering questions by the defendant witnesses during the trial.
The judge observed that ThisDay Newspaper has been in the practice of journalism over the years in Nigeria. Therefore, the defendants ought not to have allowed themselves witting or wittingly to slide into what is called yellow journalism or yellow press.
Justice Enebeli acknowledged that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of the press to disseminate information. But such freedom, he insisted, requires special responsibilities which may subject it to certain restrictions as it concerns rights and reputations of others.
“It is much to be desired that newspapers, televisions or news media generally should be free to bring to the notice of the public any matter of public interest or concern. But in order to be deserving of that freedom, the press must show itself worthy of it. A free press cannot be deserving of that appellation unless it is responsible press.”
After considering all factors in the suit, Justice Enebeli awarded the damage sum of N200m as against the sum of N7bn in favour of Governor Wike as against the defendants.
“And for the avoidance of doubt, I hereby adjudge, declare and order as follows; the defendants are to pay N200m as against N7bn being damages for libel, written and published on and concerning the claimant by the defendants in ThisDay Newspapers on 23rd June, 2020.”
Justice Enebeli issued mandatory injunction against ThisDay Newspapers to publish a retraction of the article on its front page while also publishing an apology on the back page in two separate editions.
The mandatory injunction also demanded that ThisDay stopped publication of same article or any material similar to it in its newspaper.
“An order of mandatory injunction compelling the defendant to withdraw, retract and recant the said publication. The retraction to be published in the front page as well as to publish an apology in terms acceptable, publishable in the said two consecutive edition of ThisDay Newspapers.
“An order of injunction is hereby made restraining the defendant by themselves or by their servants, agents, privies and associates from publishing the same libel or similar libel or in any manner as whosoever and whatsoever, continue to circulate the same libel or similar libel of that sort concerning the claimant. Parties are reminded of their right of appeal.”
Speaking to journalists after the judgement, Counsel to the Claimant, Mark Agwu, said even if they had asked for N7bn for the damages caused, they have accepted the N200m as ruled by the court.
Agwu explained that while in court, when witnesses were still appearing, he and his team had pleaded that ThisDay Newspapers render an unreserved apology to show that they made a mistake with the publication, but they refused with the claim that it was a privileged communication they made.
“If you listen to His Excellency when he testified, he said there is no amount of money that can actually assuage the damage done to his good name.
“And the court in its wisdom, though he was asking for N7billion, decided to award partly sum of N200,000,000.00, with the instruction that they are restrained from further publication of such libellous material and they will also publish such apology in two editions of their publication.”
Also speaking to journalists, counsel to ThisDay Newspapers Limited, Odum C. Eyiba, said he would apply for a copy of the judgement, study it and advise his client appropriately.

Rivers

NUJ Set To Attend UNIPORT’s 217th Inaugural Lecture

Published

2 days ago

November 6, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has assured of massive attendance at the 217th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University of Port Harcourt, scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Chairman of the Council, Comrade Paul Bazia, gave the assurance when members of the Media Sub-Committee of the Planning Committee for the lecture, led by Prof. Udoudo, accompanied by Dr. Chris Konkwo, visited the NUJ Secretariat to formally present an invitation to the event.

Bazia said the Council would mobilise journalists across its chapels to participate in the inaugural lecture, describing the engagement as an important platform for strengthening the relationship between the media and the academic community.

He commended Prof. Udoudo for personally visiting the Council to present the invitation, despite having earlier extended one, noting that the gesture demonstrated his respect for the NUJ and practising journalists.

The NUJ Chairman said journalists in Rivers State remained appreciative of intellectual engagements initiated by their former lecturers, mentors and colleagues in the academia, stressing that such programmes were vital to bridging the gap between the town and the gown.

He explained that journalists played a critical role in connecting academic research with society by providing feedback through which theories and hypotheses developed in the university could be tested against practical realities.

“We are happy about your visit and will be delighted to attend the lecture in our numbers. We do not take for granted such invitations and programmes from our former lecturers, mentors and colleagues in the academia.

“I assure you that the information will be circulated across all our platforms for the necessary publicity, while we will also mobilise our members to be in attendance”, he said.

He described the topic of the lecture, “Newshound: A Watchdog or an African Hunter’s Dog?”, as timely and relevant, adding that it would offer journalists an opportunity to reflect on their professional responsibilities and relationship with other institutions.

Earlier, Prof. Udoudo said journalists and law enforcement agencies were key stakeholders in the discourse, which would examine the often-strained relationship between the two institutions, particularly allegations of unfavourable treatment of journalists by security agencies.

The university don explained that, despite his transition into the academia, he remained committed to the journalism profession and the need to ensure that journalists, as watchdogs of society, were accorded the respect and recognition they deserved.

He assured that the inaugural lecture would be comprehensive, engaging and memorable, while urging practising journalists across Rivers State to attend the event.

Prof. Udoudo added that the lecture would also provide an opportunity for journalists to interact directly with security personnel expected at the occasion.

King Onunwor

Rivers

Amaechi Hails Wike’s Reconciliatory Move …Backs Awuse’s Return As Traditional Rulers’ Chairman

Published

2 days ago

November 6, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of Etche Area Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, His Majesty, King S. N. Amaechi, has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, for his genuine reconciliation efforts aimed at uniting all warring groups in Rivers State.

King Amaechi, who is the Onye Ishi Ala of Igbo Kingdom, gave the commendation in his reaction to the reappointment of His Majesty, Eze Sir Sergeant Chidi Awuse, as Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs by the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

The monarch advised all political actors in the state to embrace peace genuinely for the overall interest, peace and development of Rivers State, noting that reconciliation remains the only path to stability.

Speaking further on the reappointment, he described the decision of the Governor to return Eze Awuse to the leadership of the apex traditional council as well-deserved and timely.

He said the reappointment represents a path to genuine reconciliation and will help in repositioning the traditional institution for effective service delivery.

The Etche monarch described Awuse as a man endowed with traditional sagacity who has paid his dues in the service of Rivers State.

He expressed confidence that Awuse would bring his wealth of experience, rich political background and fatherly leadership to bear in reorganizing the council to achieve its desired goals.

“HRM Sergeant Chidi Awuse is a man with traditional sagacity. He has paid his dues to the state. I am confident he will bring his wealth of experience to bear in the Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs of Rivers State”, Amaechi stated.

The monarch called on all traditional rulers in the state to rally round the new leadership and give it total support to succeed.

He stated that unity among traditional rulers is critical to complementing government’s efforts at fostering peace and development across Rivers State.

Akujobi Amadi

Rivers

Foundation Urges Investments, Mentorship Programme For Young Nigerians

Published

2 days ago

November 6, 2026

The Tide

The Obiga Mathematics and Leadership Foundation has called for increased investment in the mentorship of young people and leadership training with a view to prepare them for future responsibilities.

Founder of the foundation, Mr. David Obiga, said this during the maiden edition of “Champion Connect” programming, which brought together outstanding young people from about six schools across Rivers State and beyond for mentorship and personal development.

Obiga said the initiative was established to equip young people with the necessary leadership skills, values and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to society.

According to him, Nigeria is experiencing a leadership gap partly because of the negative values and role models promoted in some sections of society.

He explained that the foundation seeks to instil values such as integrity, hard work and selfless service in young people to prepare them for leadership positions in their communities and the country at large.

He disclosed that participants were carefully selected from s and Second Class Upper results, but added that academic excellence alone was not enough, noting that young people also needed continuous mentorship and guidance to achieve their full potential different schools based on their academic performance, including students who had achieved First Class and Second Class Upper results, but added that academic excellence alone was not enough, noting that young people also needed continuous mentorship and guidance to achieve their full potential

“We felt that hard work itself, and the fact that they made First Class or Second Class Upper, is not where it stops. You need to nurture them and mentor them to ensure that they continue to grow”, he said.

The foundation’s founder also called on government agencies, ng that the responsibility of building future leaders should not be left to one organisation. private organisations and well-meaning individuals to support youth development initiatives, stressing that the responsibility of building future leaders should not be left to one organisation.

He urged Nigerians to exert positive influences in their immediate environments, saying, “Let everyone shine their light within their space and pass on that light to someone else. It is when we light up other candles that eventually the entire society becomes illuminated.”

Also speaking at the programme, a financial expert, Toba Ololeye, encouraged young people to develop healthy financial habits early in life rather than waiting until they begin earning substantial incomes.

Ololeye, who addressed participants on financial planning and wealth creation, advised them to cultivate the habit of saving and investing, regardless of how little they currently have.

She noted that although inflation remains a challenge in the economy, young people can still make informed financial decisions by learning from experienced entrepreneurs and developing effective money-management skills.

Ololoye expressed appreciation to the foundation for providing the platform, describing the initiative as an opportunity capable of shaping the financial future of its participants.

Another speaker, Toba Ishola, emphasised the importance of resilience in overcoming life’s challenges, declaring that champions are not born but built through determination, experience and continuous personal development.

He explained that setbacks and difficulties are part of life’s journey, adding that individuals must learn to reflect, make necessary adjustments and continue pursuing their goals.

Anuji Success, Charles Joy, Amesi Rejoice & Fruitful Wodi