Arise TV in Hot Water: APC Candidate Monday Okpebholo Demands N5 Billion for Alleged Defamatory Broadcast!”

Arise TV in Hot Water: APC Candidate Monday Okpebholo Demands N5 Billion for Alleged Defamatory Broadcast!”

The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Edo State, alongside its gubernatorial candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo, has issued a formal legal notice to Arise TV, accusing the station of broadcasting a malicious and false statement. The broadcast in question aired a viral video clip purportedly showing Senator Okpebholo promising to “provide insecurity” during his campaign in Iguadolor Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, on September 2, 2024.

In the letter, sent by the APC’s solicitors, the party refuted the broadcast as a politically motivated distortion of Okpebholo’s statement. The lawyers claimed that the video was doctored by political opponents, specifically the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to tarnish the image of the APC candidate ahead of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.

The APC and Okpebholo assert that the senator clearly stated his administration would prioritize security for the people of Edo State, contrary to the claim aired on Arise TV’s program, *The Morning Show*. According to the legal document, the viral video aired during the show was edited, with the intent to mislead viewers and discredit Okpebholo’s campaign.

The APC accuses the TV station of participating in a “radical departure from the essence of journalism” by broadcasting unverified information. The party believes the station’s coverage painted Senator Okpebholo and the APC as irresponsible, damaging their public image.

As a result, the APC is demanding an immediate public apology from Arise TV in both print and electronic media. Additionally, they are seeking N5 billion in damages for what they describe as a false and defamatory broadcast that has been viewed worldwide.

In a final note, the APC warned that if their demands are not met within seven days, they will initiate both civil and criminal proceedings against the TV station.

The broadcast controversy comes at a critical time in the Edo State gubernatorial race, intensifying tensions between the APC and PDP as the election draws closer.