NBET MD demands apology from LeaksNG members over ‘defamation’

Marilyn Amobi, managing director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), has asked members of Leaks.ng, a coalition of media organisations in Nigeria, to apologise over a report of alleged graft at the agency.

In a letter addressed to the respective organisations, she demanded a retraction of the report which she said is defamatory.

Leaks.ng had reported the alleged victimisation of whistleblowers at NBET under Amobi.

The first report revealed how the managing director paid at least N2 billion to two power generating companies.

The house of representatives later investigated the allegations of corruption in the agency.

But in the letter by her counsel Babalakin&co, Amobi gave the members of Leaks.ng seven days to retract the publication.

The letter said the reports had caused Amobi emotional distress and psychological trauma.

“Our clients are understandably very disturbed by the actual and potential damage that this publication has caused and could further cause to the security of Mrs Amobi and the management staff of NBET,   as well as our clients’ commercial and public activities,” the letter read.

“Your portrayal of Mrs Amobi as a corrupt pubic official has subjected her to considerable emotional distress and psychological trauma. Indeed, the publication has severely exposed our client to public ridicule and outage as several other local and international media outlet have also picked on these allegations.

“Furthermore, it is noteworthy that our clients are strategically placed in the Nigeria economy and our clients’ commercial operations in the power sector are significantly threatened by the content of your publication. As you may be aware,our clients, on behalf of the Federal Government, Interface with various local and international stakeholders including investors, diplomats, financial institutions and development agencies.

“And this offensive and baseless publication is capable of adversely affecting our clients’ interaction with key stakeholders. Ultimately, your pubication is capable of orchestrating a serious crisis of confidence in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).”

THE ALLEGATIONS

The report of alleged infractions by Amobi and her management team at NBET was published on February 8 by Leaks.ng.  First of the allegations was that the NBET MD authorised overpayment to two power generating companies – Omotosho Electric Genco and Olorunsogo Electric Company.

According to the PPA, to qualify for full payment, generating plants must provide evidence that they have active GSA and GTA or else the power purchase agreement would be deemed inactive and would only receive payment for the power they supplied.