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Taraba Cleric Challenges, Former Chief of Defence, TY Danjuma Over N1bn Defamation Claim

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 31st, 2024.

Taraba Cleric Challenges, Former Chief of Defence, TY Danjuma Over N1bn Defamation Claim

Pastor Paul Rika, a prominent cleric in Taraba State, has urged former Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Theophilus Danjuma to take legal action regarding allegations of defamation related to Rika’s book.

As the International Director of Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide, Rika addressed Danjuma in a letter, encouraging him to accept the messages contained in his work, which he claims are divinely inspired.

Danjuma, represented by his lawyer Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), had sent a demand letter to Rika on September 27, insisting that he retract statements from his book, “God’s Message to Kuteb Tribe and Indigenes of Taraba State.” The retired general alleged that the book defamed him and depicted him as “wicked, mischievous, evil, and anti-democratic,” seeking N1 billion in damages for the purported slander.

In response, Rika firmly rejected the claims of defamation. He urged Danjuma to reflect on the content of his book as a message from God aimed at his salvation rather than an attack on his reputation. Citing biblical principles, Rika emphasized that God’s messages can sometimes seem harsh but ultimately serve a transformative purpose.

He stated, “God’s message may seem damaging, but if we listen, it will help us become what He desires before our time on earth ends.” Rika reminded Danjuma of God’s impartiality and authority to communicate with anyone, urging him to judge the message’s validity himself.

Rika also likened his book’s purpose to the letters of Theophilus in the Bible, affirming that his revelations were inspired by divine insight. He implored Danjuma to acknowledge any wrongdoing and seek genuine repentance, calling for an apology and restitution to the Kuteb tribe for past injustices.