Dora (Akunyili) spits fire: Threatens to sue returning officer, others for defamation

Posted by admin Anambra, Elections 2011, State News, Top Stories, Women Politics Sunday, April 24th, 2011

The candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance candidate in the inconclusive National Assembly election for Anambra central senatorial district, Prof. Dora Akunyili, has hinted that she might sue the returning officer, Dr. Alex Anene for allegedly defaming her character.

Akunyili disclosed this on Friday in Awka while reacting to the INEC’s decision to conduct a re-run election in areas where elections had been cancelled.

She said Anene might be sued alongside his accomplices, adding that she and her family went through serious emotional trauma owing to the allegations made against her by the returning officer.

According to her, Anene alleged that he was offered N10m bribe, a car and a house to help Akunyili win.

“My family and I went through a lot. We suffered emotionally and many people believed their lies.

“After this election (re-run) which I will win, I may still go to court against Anene and his sponsors,” Akunyili said.

She noted that besides using a cardboard sheet to write results, Anene also attempted to malign her and almost succeeded in implanting those lies into the people’s consciousness.

Akunyili said the statements by the INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega on the Anambra situation had vindicated her and renewed her faith and confidence in the country.

“Now the truth is out and we all feel vindicated. It is obvious Anene was sponsored to malign, cheat and announce fake results in a hotel room in the night.

“That person who sponsored him also needs to face the law. I want the law to take its full course so that people cannot just commit crimes and get away with it,” Akunyili said.

She called on the police to arrest all those involved in the smear campaign against her. NAN

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