ETIM EFFIONG
The proprietor and founder of Southern Atlantic Polytechnic and renowned criminologist, Mr Bassey James has sued the publishers of The Sermon Newspaper for N500m over an alleged defamation.
James during a press briefing in Uyo on Sunday, said: “The Sermon Newspaper publication has defamed his character, personality and the corporate image of the polytechnic.”
He said the newspaper had on its banner story of Vol.17 no 27, alleged that the Southern Atlantic Polythetic initiated cultists during its last matriculation held June 26, 2021.
“It has caused me a lot of pains. The publication has caused irreparable losses to Southern Atlantic Polytechnic that I am the founder.
“The story is a big setback against the investment opportunities in Akwa Ibom State. It is totally against the spirit of enterprise and development being pursued by the governor.
“The governor came with Dakkada mantra and people are keying into it to rise to greatness.
“We successfully had our maiden matriculation on June 26, 2021. Nigerians from all walks of life attended the event.
“The governor sent a representative, his SA on security, Distinguished Senator Effiong Bob was the chairman of the occasion. Some commissioners and council chairmen were there.
‘’We have people from the academic world including six professors in attendance. I was shocked to see a damaging report from Sermon Newspaper against the school by labelling our matriculation ceremony an initiation of cultists. I can tell you that the public received that message with shock.
He explained that the news has severely damaged the reputation of the school hence “we are heading to court to seek redress and claim damages.
“I must advise that there should be a basic and acceptable qualification for people who wish to practice journalism.
“It should not be an all-comers affair. I am reaching out to leaders of the union on this matter”.
According to him, the mission as an institution is to groom the youths to become better citizens and be gainfully employed or become entrepreneurs.
“That is the vision of the governor and we have already keyed in for the overall development of the state. Already, the institution is also giving out scholarships to encourage the indigent ones to acquire knowledge and skills.
“We are already into production like shoes of all types, clothing line, cosmetics, garri, crayfish, palm oil and so many other items. We combine both foreign and local technology.
“We are assisting neighbouring communities as part of our corporate social responsibility. I believe that the publication was sponsored to tarnish our image and destroy our reputation.
“The story will affect the psychological disposition of our intending investors. He will seek justice and justice will take its full course.
“We will look for N500 million damages; the publication has forced some of our partners to suspend further discussions with us.”