From Moshood Karim
The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has issued a formal demand to Vanguard Media Limited, publishers of the Vanguard Newspaper, calling for the immediate retraction of a defamatory article published on July 23, 2024.
The contentious article, found on page 15, labeled certain individuals as “APC thugs” allegedly involved in violence near the Benin Airport last week.
The APC, through their legal representative Martin Omo-Ighekpe & Co., expressed strong objections to the portrayal of the individuals in question, described as “Edo State Airport Violence faces of suspected culprits.”
The party asserts that these statements are unfounded, malicious, and aimed at damaging its reputation.
In a complaint addressed to the Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, the APC emphasized that the publication “has no legal foundation and is part of an orchestrated attempt to malign the party’s image.”
The letter highlighted that the party had already submitted a comprehensive petition to the Inspector General of Police regarding the July 18, 2024, incident at Benin Airport, which is currently under investigation.
The letter from Ighekpe, Esq., on behalf of the APC, laid out specific demands:
1. An immediate retraction of the defamatory publication within 24 hours of receiving the letter.
2. A full-page apology in Vanguard Newspaper.
The APC’s legal counsel warned that failure to comply with these demands would lead to both criminal and civil actions against Vanguard Newspaper. The party underscored that, as a prominent newspaper, Vanguard should adhere to the highest ethical standards established by regulatory agencies.
See document below:
Meanwhile in its publication on Wednesday, Vanguard Newspaper issued a public retraction and apology for the said erroneous pictorial published on July 23, 2024.
The controversial advert, titled “Edo Airport Violence: Faces of Suspected Culprits,” appeared on page 15 and falsely implicated several individuals associated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.
The retraction, signed by the Editor, acknowledges the error and expresses profound regret for any embarrassment caused to the APC Edo State, the APC national body, and all individuals whose photographs were mistakenly included.
“We hereby retract the said advert in its entirety and tender our profound and unreserved apology,” the statement read.
The erroneous publication risked damaging the party’s reputation and causing undue distress to its members and supporters.
The Vanguard’s response is expected to mitigate the fallout and restore its credibility.
“We completely disclaim the said advert and regret the error that led to its publication,” the Editor added.
