By Correspondent in Abuja.
Prof. Zacharys Gundu, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mkar, Benue State, has responded to a legal notice issued by Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State over comments allegedly made by the academic during a recent television appearance.
In a statement conveyed through his counsel, Prof. Sebastine Hon, SAN, Gundu expressed readiness to support his remarks with relevant documents and evidence.
Governor Sule, through his lawyer, Ahmed Raji, SAN, issued a letter dated July 22, demanding a retraction and public apology from Gundu for a statement allegedly linking the governor to security concerns in Benue State.
The letter requested that Gundu retract the statement within seven days and publish an apology in at least five national newspapers. It also warned of potential legal action should the Vice Chancellor fail to meet the demands.
Governor Sule described the alleged remark as damaging, claiming it had caused unquantifiable harm to his reputation.
In a written response dated July 28 and signed by Prof. Hon, Gundu declined the demands, asserting that his comments were made in good faith and based on verifiable information. He stated his intention to rely on legal defences such as fair comment and justification, should the matter proceed to court.
“Our client maintains that his statement was based on information available to him and reflects his concerns on matters of public interest,” the letter said in part.
The response referenced past public remarks and positions attributed to Nasarawa State officials concerning regional security issues, which Gundu’s legal team argued lend credibility to his position.
The letter concluded that Prof. Gundu is confident in the accuracy of his statements and is prepared to defend them legally if necessary.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
