The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has denied allegations that it received ₦100 million from the Edo State Government ahead of the Edo South Senatorial primaries, describing the claim as false, malicious, and defamatory.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, by the Council’s leadership,the report published by “Standard Daily Press” was a “criminal lie” allegedly orchestrated by individuals seeking to tarnish the union’s image.
The statement which was jointly signed by the Unions Chairman,Comrade Festus Alenkhe and Secretary Andy Egbon, said the individual behind the publication is not a registered member of the NUJ and lacks press accreditation.
“The union neither collected nor discussed any ₦100 million payment with the Edo State Government,” the statement read. “We challenge the publisher to provide evidence to support the allegation.”
The council described the publication as blackmail and warned that such actions could constitute offenses under the Cybercrimes Act and the Criminal Code.
Edo NUJ demanded an immediate retraction and a public apology to be published across all platforms operated by Standard Daily Press within 48 hours. It also requested full disclosure of the writer’s identity and the alleged sponsors of the report.
The union warned that failure to comply would result in civil and criminal legal action for defamation, injurious falsehood, and cyberstalking. Petitions will also be submitted to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Press Council for investigation and possible prosecution.