By Ogochukwu Isioma
Following the threats by the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi to sue Peoples Gazette over its publication of a purported phone conversation between him and Living Faith church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, the online newspaper says it stands by its report.
“This is a religious war,” Mr. Obi said in the viral audio to solicit the cleric’s support in getting Christians in the South-West and North Central, particularly Kwara, Kogi and Niger States, to back his presidency bid.
The leaked audio sparked a furious and wide-ranging debate among Nigerians, with critics and the opposition berating the former Anambra governor for reportedly using religion for alleged political gain.
On Wednesday, Mr. Obi threatened to sue the online newspaper over its publication, while maintaining that the said audio conversation was fake and untrue.
“Our legal team have been instructed to take appropriate legal actions against Peoples Gazette and others,” Mr. Obi tweeted Wednesday evening in response to the Newspaper’s story.
“Let me reiterate that the audio call being circulated is fake. At no time throughout the campaign and now did I ever say, think, or even imply that the 2023 election is, or was a religious war,” he added.
Reacting, the Peoples Gazette in a statement issued on Wednesday night, maintained that it stood by its story and denounced Mr. Obi’s attempt to intimidate its newsroom.
“Peoples Gazette stands unflinchingly by the audio recording of Peter Obi and David Oyedepo as published on April 1, 2023,” the statement signed by Boladale Adekoya, Deputy Managing Editor read.
The Newspaper also stated that the audio clip was properly sourced and authenticated before being used, vowing to protect its source.
“The audio and the context surrounding it were properly sourced and authenticated in line with journalism best practices,” it added.
The Gazette also announced willingness to protect the source of the clip, implying that Mr. Obi filed the lawsuit in the hopes that the newspaper would be forced to reveal the source of the leaked audio during the trial.
“Finally, we maintain in no uncertain terms that we will uphold the principle of source protection to any length,” Mr. Adekoya disclosed.
