Guardian Newspapers Limited, the publisher of The Guardian, has retracted the alleged defamatory publication against Mr Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The media organisation, in a letter signed by its Legal Adviser, Eki Durajaiye, and addressed to Dogara’s counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, said it regretted the ex-lawmaker’s perception of the report.
The letter, dated July 28, was made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja.
It was titled: “Re: Demand for the Immediate Retraction of the Defamatory Statements Made against Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara in The Guardian Newspaper and on Social Media Platforms with a Call for a Corresponding Apology.”
It reads: “We refer to your letter dated July 21, 2025, and our subsequent telephone discussion on July 23, 2025, on the above subject matter.
“We regret your client’s perception of the report tagged: “Ex-loyalist slams Dogara for taking appointment from ‘Muslim-Muslim’ govt,” published on our website and social media platforms (precisely X and Facebook) on Saturday, July 19.
“However, we respectfully clarify that the allegations of facts therein solely represent the position of the named author, Yakubu Maigida.
“Please be informed that we immediately deleted the subject publication from the aforementioned digital channels upon realising that the allegations were not verified before publication.
“Similarly, we caused the headline and associated metadata to be permanently deleted from search engines.
“The Guardian holds your client in great esteem and will not wilfully do anything capable of tarnishing his reputation.
“In further demonstration of utmost good faith, we published a retraction/apology entitled, “Re: Federal Government appoints Dogara as Chair of Credit Guarantee Company” on our print, online, and social media platforms on Monday, July 28, 2025.
“We have attached a copy of the print version herewith.
“Whilst we regret any inconvenience your client may have suffered from the initial publication, we also believe that our subsequent remedial action sufficiently satisfies your demand and hence pray that this matter be resolved amicably.
“In closing, kindly convey our unreserved apologies and profound regard to the distinguished Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara.
“Accept our highest professional courtesy.”
Usman had, in separate letters, demanded an apology from four national dailies, including Nigerian Pilot, New Telegraph Newspaper, Daily Post and The Guardian over alleged defamatory publications against his client, Dogara.(NAN)
