Fact-checks reveal why online publisher after Kano govt, as Kwankwaso demands retraction, apology over defamatory publication
*247 U Reporters publishing falsehood against Yusuf-led govt because publisher, son of late pastor, failed to secure retainership with it - Investigation
By KEMI KASUMU
You know, there is no evil money cannot commit but one that is sincere, believes in Allah, does good work towards humanity will always overcome. That is what you see playing out with the media war being waged against Kano State Government and its officials – NNPP sympathiser
The Kano State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, has issued a formal notice to 247 U Reporters, demanding an immediate retraction and public apology for a recent libelous publication, he said, aimed at tarnishing his reputation and that of the Kano State government.
The notice was sent through his legal team, H.M. Muhammad & Co.
Kwankwaso stated that the defamatory and inflammatory post published by 247 U Reporters was intended to damage his hard-earned reputation and that of the Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf-led Kano State government.
According to the notice, the publication falsely alleged that Kwankwaso was awarded contracts by the Kano State government on two separate occasions and purportedly failed to meet the stipulated terms.
Additionally, the post insinuated a violent confrontation between Kwankwaso, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kano State and the Governor himself.
“We wish to formally announce that we represent Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, henceforth referred to as our client,” stated the legal team.
“Pursuant to our client’s explicit instructions, we have reached out to your office regarding a recent publication that has caused significant damage to our client’s and the Kano State Government’s reputation.
“These allegations are entirely untrue and have no basis in fact.
“This serves as a formal cease and desist notice, demanding the immediate retraction of the aforementioned post.”
Mr. Kwankwaso is requesting an unreserved public apology to be published in two national daily newspapers and the payment of punitive damages within 48 hours of receipt of this letter.
“Please be advised that such defamatory statements are actionable under the Penal Code.
“Should you fail to comply with these demands, our client has unequivocally instructed us to pursue all available legal remedies against your office.
“We urge you to act promptly to mitigate the repercussions of this matter,” the letter concluded.
Fact-checks
The DEFENDER’S nose on the ground found out that the editor of the 247 U Reporters Mr. Ikenna Ellis Ezenkwe, a Kano-born online news publisher, in recent times, has been publishing reports intended to blackmail some officials of Kano State government after failing to secure a media retainership with the government.
Ikenna was born in Kano to the family of late Pastor Ezenkwe, a missionary and a staff of Bayero University.
Few years after his father’s death, the editor of 247 U Reporters relocated to US but was repatriated to Nigeria, recently, it was gathered.
In the course of our investigation, a member of All Progressives Congress (APC), asked to comment on the development, declined speaking but, when pressed, simply said, “Let them carry their burden. They should run a good government. That’s all.”
But in the words of another source sympathetic with the ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) government in the state, a new dimension to what he called the hatchet job the 247 U Reporters is doing against the state government was opened.
“The defeated opposition APC leaders, who have exploited all means to bring down the but very active Abba Kabir Yusuf-led Kano State government but failed persistently, are also the more likely reason behind the hatchet job that online newspaper, 247 U Reporters, is doing.
“You know, there is no evil money cannot commit but one that is sincere, believes in Allah and does good work towards humanity will always overcome. That is what you see playing out with the media war being waged against Kano State Government and its officials.
“But you Nigerian Press need to come to the support of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, if as the Fourth Estate of the Rhelm are truly concerned about building a veritable country that benefits all,” he urged.
