Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Thursday hailed the judgment of an Ilorin High Court that slammed the sum of N4 billion ($11.1 Million) against the publisher of the online news platform, Sahara Reporters, Mr. Omoyele Sowore, to be paid the Senate President as damages over a series of libelous stories published against him by the medium in 2015.
Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that the judgment issued against Sahara Reporters for constantly publishing false, libelous and misleading stories that were aimed at defaming his person, was a testament that the moral arc of the universe will always bend towards justice.
“One thing is clear by the judgment, there are systems in place in our nation for all citizens to seek redress if they have been unfairly treated in any way,” the statement read.
“This judgment is a fulfillment of our promise that we will explore all legal means to seek redress for all the fabrications and mudslinging that Sahara Reporters has thrown at us over the years.
“Moving forward, the purveyors of mischievous stories can learn from this precedent that has been set. The ruling by Justice Adeyinka Oyinloye, will serve as a deterrent to all those who profit by propagating ‘Fake News’ to blackmail innocent citizens or curry undue favours.”
The Senate President reassured of his belief in free press, free speech and responsible journalism but that he will continue to fight those who use journalism as a destructive, blackmail and oppressive instrument.
Saraki also said he will not spare any legal efforts and expenses, both in Nigeria and abroad, necessary to recover every kobo of the cost awarded in his favour from Sahara Reporters.
