Extradition: Obanikoro didn’t grant any interview, authorise anyone to comment, says Aide

Former Minister of State for Defense, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro has frowned at a story published in a national daily and credited to an anonymous associate, stating that in an event of extradition threat being speculated that he would seek legal protection. Obanikoro, in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr. Jonathan Eze, on Monday, disclaimed such story and warned the hatchet writer to desist from preempting him and spreading falsehood against his person.

The statement reads in parts: Our attention has been drawn to an article published in The Nation on Sunday with the headline: Extradition: Anxiety grips PDP Chieftains, others….Obanikoro will seek legal protection, written by one Dare Odufowokan. “I hereby state unequivocally that my principal, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro did not grant any interview to any news medium and did not authorise any of his associate to comment or speak in his behalf.

“Infact, the whole story of extradition is very laughable and another grand design of the All Progressives Congress (APC) aimed at tarnishing the hard earned reputation of Senator Obanikoro. “It is really absurd and ridiculous for a writer to make reference to sensitive and non-existing matters and thus hide under the guise of the principle of anonymity in satisfying an endless urge of infamy.

“It is expected that stories must be verified and cross checked before it hits the press, noting that anything short of truth and fact which is sacred should not be sacrificed or sensationalised. “Even in the event that we want to respond to the charade and propaganda of the ruling party, we shall use objective platforms that will present our story and response in an ethical manner and not medium like Sahara Reporters, Punch, The Nation, and others that are reputable for distorting facts and headlines just to satisfy the inordinate longing of their paymasters. “Professional journalism revolves around truth and not insinuations and speculations.

We urge the public to disregard and ignore subsequent write -ups that doesn’t emanate from me or my media aide.”