Tonye Patrick Cole, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has instituted a N40billion defamation suit against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
Cole alleges that Wike made “malicious, false, and politically motivated statements” about him during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on September 18, 2025. During the broadcast, the FCT Minister accused Cole of “stealing State resources,” “selling gas assets for $308million,” and “taking Olympia Hotel.”
Describing the allegations as “utterly false and deliberately crafted to portray me as corrupt, deceitful, and criminally inclined before millions of viewers,” Cole said the remarks severely damaged a reputation he had built over decades in business, philanthropy, and public service.
Human rights lawyer and activist, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, has joined the case as a witness for Cole. He told the court he watched the interview live and was “shocked by the recklessness of the allegations.” In his deposition, Adeyanju faulted both Wike and Channels Television for amplifying unverified accusations, saying such conduct erodes public confidence in the media and responsible political communication. He further noted that Wike had similarly targeted him during a separate TV interview in 2024, describing him as one of “people with no job,” evidence he tendered to show a “pattern of malicious and defamatory speech” by the minister.
Cole, co-founder and former Group Executive Director of the Sahara Group, told the court the defamatory broadcast caused him emotional distress and significant reputational and professional harm. His legal team stated that the remarks jeopardised international partnerships, with several corporate and philanthropic associates suspending engagements pending clarification.
He is seeking N40billion in general and aggravated damages, a public apology, and an order restraining the defendants from further publication or rebroadcast of the disputed statements.
“This is no longer about politics; it is about truth, accountability, and the integrity of public discourse,” Cole said through his lawyers. “Every Nigerian deserves protection from reckless abuse of public platforms.”
![Profile of Naval Officer who stood up against Wike over land grab [+Photos]](https://themomentng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IMG-20251112-WA0012-120x86.webp)
