By Kiso Simon
At the high time society demands the truth and the transparency from the public office holders and the general public, the media been the watchdog of the society and the beckon of truth stand a chance to bridge the lacuna of a transparent society by its professional reporting. A good media reporting should have a balance, accurate information devoid of misleading the public,
This is required critical research background into the story before publication.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy has slammed a N50bn defamation suit against National Waves Newspaper and its publisher Jimmy Enyeh for false information.
The article published on 5th February 2025 and 18th February 2025 were titled “Crises Rocks Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, as Union Demands Removal of General Service Director” and “Transparency Collation Writes Ministry of Arts over Alleged N4bn Office Rent, DG Gallery of Arts, 50 aides.”
The minister considered both publications malicious as they’re false.
The minister in the suot also said the reports were unprofessional and aimed at tarnishing her name and capable of misleading the general public.
The Minister Hon. Hanatu Musawa demanded immediate redress and withdrawal of the publication publicly by the news platform.
The order of the court has directed the defendant to publish a retraction and unreserved apology in favour of the Honourable minister, to remove, delete and/ take down the news publication caption.
In the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory holding in Abuja filled by Hannatu Musawa, also sought “an order of the court directing the defendants to publish a retraction and unreserved apology in favour of the claimant for the words published falsely and maliciously of and concerning the claimant which are libelous by direct reference and innuendos in their news publication.”
She’s also asking the court to order the publications considered malicious be removed, deleted and or taken down by the newspaper.
A order of perpetual injunction stopping the newspaper from future publications of consulted considered libelous on her person.
