War Of Words: Obasanjo, Kashamu Clash

Former president, Olusegun Obasanjo and Buruji Kashamu, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State have engaged in a war of words, following Kashamu's N2.1bn libel suit instituted the former.

Olusegun Obasanjo

Replying Kashamu's suit which is before Justice Valentine Ashi of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in a statement of defence, Obasanjo resorted to name calling as he described him as notorious debtor and a man lacking in local and international reputation, while also urging the court to dismiss the suit which according to him is frivolous, speculative and gold digging.

PUNCH reports that Kashamu described Obasanjo as a social misfit and a poverty-stricken school dropout in response to Obasanjo's insults,

According to him, the former President only found fame and fortune in joining the Nigerian Army where he benefited “disproportionately” from the military incursion into governance in Nigeria.

Kashamu had in February, 2014, sued Obasanjo for alleged character defamation, asking the court to award N20bn as aggravated and exemplary damages, and another N100m against the former President for “maliciously and recklessly” publishing a letter titled, ‘Before it is too late’, addressed to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Obasanjo in his statement of defence filed on May 14, stuck to his allegations in his letter to President Jonathan, stating that he had no reason to retract the words in the said letter as requested by Kashamu’s lawyer “because the statement/words are correct, true and justified”.

On Tuesday, June 10 Obasanjo ignored the Federal Capital Territory High Court invitation mandating him to appear before Justice Valentine Ashi, in order to testify in person over the N20billion libel suit filed against him by Kashamu.

Source: Legit.ng