Ex-Delta Deputy Gov, Elue’s Family Tender Apology To Elumelu Over Defamatory Publication

The family of former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Benjamin Elue has written a letter of apology to Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Member-Elect for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, over alleged ‘wife snatching and threat to life’ allegations by one Mr. Nnabuife Anthony Elue.

The letter is coming few days after Elumelu’s lawyer A.C Okeibuno had demanded an apology and comprehensive retraction of the said publication in several media outlets, failure of which he threatened to sue for N1 billion.

But the apology letter seen by BIGPEN Online on Sunday, signed by Mr. Adimabua .I. Elue on behalf of Diokpa B.S.C Elue (former Deputy Governor of Delta State), for the Elue Family, strongly denounced the actions of Nnabuife Elue as frivolous and condemn the defamatory publication in all its entirety, saying that it was not a reflection, mind or opinion of any Elue family member, living or dead.

Describing Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu as an impeccable personality, the letter said the action of Nnabuife Elue was highly regretted by The Elue family, The Obi and indigenes of Obior Kingdom worldwide.

The letter also said: “after proper investigation of issues raised, the offensive article published in an online media (not BIGPEN), was mischievously sponsored by political enemies who have now failed completely in their devious aspersions and the Elue family collectively boo every allegation as false and petty; intended for nothing other than a bad smear job.

“It had been a traumatic week for the elders of Elue family who are still in shock since this slander news broke, wondered about the timing of the attack, especially with the whole state agog in celebratory mood for the inauguration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s second term.

“Hon. Elumelu is a well known, worthy son of Anioma and Ezechima clan with a proven private and political pedigree. His integrity has never been in doubt and will never be. Chief Ndudi is a beacon of hope to our local government, a large hearted man and an asset to our country. He cuts across every strata of society, as a beloved gentleman…

“To our son and brother Rt Hon Ndudi Elumelu, we ask you to find it in his heart to forgive your younger brother Nnabuife, who was being used by bad losers in the polity.

“Be rest assured of our sharp rebuke of Nnabuife’s conduct who has remorsefully regretted the inconvenience and pain this episode must have caused you. It has now been established that he was under the negative influence of political spell binders.

“We call on Heaven and Earth as witness today that these surreptitious fabricators will not go unpunished in Jesus Mighty name Amen. We prayed that your tested aptitude for moral rectitude, will be highly rewarded in the National Assembly and Internationally”, the letter concluded.

Meanwhile, reacting to the letter of apology by the Elue family, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu was quoted to have said he was satisfied with the promptness with which the Elue family had responded to the defamatory allegations of their brother.

He said: “I want to thank the Elue family for quickly responding to this contentious matter the way they have done and I also want to appreciate with humility, His Excellency, Sir BSC Elue, the former Deputy Governor of Delta state, for intervening in the matter.

“My family and the Elue family enjoy an age old relationship that has lasted for generations and have a very strong bond in politics too. Nnabuife insulted me and cast aspersions on my personality and reputation with that publication…

According to him, “This latest attempt to smear my name by using and obviously misleading Nnabuife Elue to publish those allegations in the online portal, have already failed woefully and I have accepted the apology of the Elue Family, as a mark of total respect, loyalty and humility to Alum, His Excellency, Sir BSC Elue.

“It is alien to our Anioma culture for an elder to apologise to a younger man and the fact that the letter of apology, though written by a young member of the family, had actually mentioned Chief Elue’s name, is sufficient for me to accept the apology. I am satisfied and I hope Nnabuife or any other person for that matter will learn from this episode and not try this kind of blackmail and defamation again.

“I have also instructed my lawyers not to proceed with any further legal action against Nnabuife Elue”.