(IJC/IFEX) – On 22 July 1999, Alhaji Salisu Buhari, withdrew the N500 million (US$5 million) libel suit filed against the publisher of “The News” magazine, Independent Network Communications Limited (ICNL). Until 21 July, Buhari was the speaker of the Nigeria Lower House of Assembly (House of Representatives). **Updates IFEX alert of 22 July 1999** Buhari […]
(IJC/IFEX) – On 22 July 1999, Alhaji Salisu Buhari, withdrew the N500
million (US$5 million) libel suit filed against the publisher of “The News”
magazine, Independent Network Communications Limited (ICNL). Until 21 July,
Buhari was the speaker of the Nigeria Lower House of Assembly (House of
Representatives).
**Updates IFEX alert of 22 July 1999**
Buhari announced the withdrawal of the suit while reading his resignation
speech as speaker and member of the Lower House to the lawmakers on 22 July.
He admitted the allegation of forgery and perjury reported by “The News”
magazine in its Monday 19 July cover story. In his speech, Buhari said, “I
was led into error by the zeal to serve the nation. I trust therefore, that
the nation will forgive me and give me another opportunity to serve. I still
have faith in the nation and my commitment is greater now, seeing that I
have wronged it. I have consequently advised my lawyer, Chief Rotimi
Williams SAN, CFR, to withdraw my libel action against ‘The News’ magazine.”
Background Information
In its 19 July edition, a cover story in “The News” magazine titled “The
Face Of A Liar” had alleged that former speaker Buhari lied about his age
and tendered fake certificates to contest the election to the House of
Representatives. Following the controversy generated by the allegation,
Buhari’s lawyer, Chief FRA Williams, filed a N500 million (US$5 million)
libel suit against the magazine on 19 July.
