Bob: I reported alleged defamation through legal channels, not personal confrontation

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Former Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Effiong Bob, has defended his decision to petition the police over alleged defamatory statements made against him by lawyer Ewa Okpo, insisting that he merely exercised his constitutional right to seek legal redress rather than resort to personal confrontation.

Bob’s reaction followed criticisms by some youths on social media over the arrest of Barr. Okpo by the police in connection with allegations of defamation.

Speaking with journalists in Uyo on Wednesday, the former lawmaker said the petition became necessary because of what he described as sustained attacks on his integrity, credibility and reputation through social media publications.

“I have the right to report to the police. When I report, I didn’t tell the police to go and arrest somebody. What the police do is left to them. My duty is to report by way of petition. I will not engage in a street fight because that is against the law,” Bob said.

The former senator maintained that he has always defended the right of citizens to criticize governments and public office holders, provided such criticisms are based on facts and verifiable evidence.

According to him, democratic engagement should revolve around governance, public policies and issues affecting citizens, rather than personal attacks capable of damaging the reputation of individuals and their families.

“Public discourse should focus on governance, verifiable facts and policy issues instead of character assassination of public officials, their families and unsubstantiated allegations that harbour on their credibility and integrity, because in the letters of the law, when your right stops, that is when another person’s right begins,” he stated.

Bob explained that his earlier public comments defending Umo Eno were guided by the same principle.

He said his position was that while citizens are free to criticize the performance of government, such criticism should remain constructive and issue-based rather than descend into attacks on the personal lives of public officials.

“My position was, and still is, nobody should attack the governor’s personal life, nor his family. Rather, if you assume the government is not performing the way you like, you can criticize, but the criticism should be constructive and issue-based,” he said.

Bob further claimed that although he never mentioned Barr. Okpo by name in his public remarks, the lawyer allegedly responded through Facebook posts that were widely circulated across social media platforms, using what he described as defamatory and derogatory expressions against him.

He specifically alleged that he was described as an “Utoto politician,” a term he interpreted as portraying him as a political fraudster, alongside other remarks which he said were intended to ridicule and damage his public image.

The senior lawyer, who said he has spent 42 years in legal practice, argued that the publications constituted defamation under Nigerian law, noting that both civil and criminal remedies exist for such offences.

According to him, his petition to the police was made under the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, stressing that he simply invoked lawful procedures available to every citizen who believes an offence has been committed.

Bob reiterated that democracy thrives on constructive criticism but warned against the growing trend of blackmail, false allegations and character assassination in political discourse.

He urged politicians, activists and members of the public to channel disagreements through responsible and fact-based engagement, emphasizing that allegations must be supported with evidence.

“While constructive criticism strengthens our democracy, defamatory statements, blackmails and character assassination, which are destructive elements in our democracy, should be addressed properly through lawful channels,” he said.