The Imo House of Assembly has summoned Precious Nwadike, the publisher and editor-in-chief of the online newspaper Nigerian Watchdog, over a report against Ikenna Ihezuo, a lawmaker representing the Orlu State Constituency.
Mr. Nwadike is accused of publishing an allegedly defamatory story about Mr. Ihezuo. The house issued the summons in response to a complaint made by Mr. Ihezuo during the plenary in Owerri on Thursday.
According to a lawmaker in the House who requested anonymity, Mr. Ihezuo believes the publisher colluded with his political opponent to write the “defamatory” article against him.
The report in question, published by the Nigerian Watchdog Newspaper, quoted Stanley Nwosu, Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Orlu Local Government Area, as saying he prevented Mr. Ihezuo from diverting 65 bags of rice that were meant as palliative aid for the Orlu State Constituency.
The newspaper identified Mr. Nwosu only by his title “Ochinanwata” and his position as the APC chairperson in the council area. The report also included a reaction from Mr. Ihezuo, who described the APC chairperson’s allegations as “lies.”