Vivian Matur: Plateau Speaker Breaks Silence, Gives Conditions For Peaceful Resolution

Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Gabriel Kudangbena Dewan has for the first time spoken about the alleged defamation of his person and office by Ms Vivian Matur who over the weekend was rumoured to have been picked by Security agencies in Abuja and is being detained in Jos on the orders of the number three citizen on the Plateau

Dewan in a 13 paragraph message on Sunday distanced himself from the use of power to victimize his accuser stressing that he is a law abiding who “respects everyone and the stipulated freedom of speech as posited in Part IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”

Rt Hon Dewan narrated that the detention of Ms Vivian was at the instance of the Security agencies who are only doing their work and want her to proof her damning allegations.

Admitting interventions from leaders and groups, the Speaker gave a simple condition that would enable him impress on the security agencies to release Ms Vivian. He said “All I requested was to retract the comment, make a public apology to me and publish the same in the social media and at least one national daily newspaper”

Dewan’s full statement reads

“I am inundated with calls and messages on this issue and each time I try to avoid it, I get involved in talking about it. Let me make it clear as follows:

1. I am a responsible Nigerian citizen and a forebearer of the Constitution. I respect everyone and the stipulated freedom of speech, as posited in Part IV of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
2. The said lady made a false, baseless, malicious and defamatory comment on the social media about my person; which brought my reputation and office to question
3. I have conducted myself with utmost integrity and respect in whatever I do, and in the discharge of my duties in office. As a law abiding citizen, and as a responsible person, I would not want my name, and hard earned reputation to be smeared and put to ridicule
4. I was aggrieved with the comments and thus, sought appropriate remedies under the law.
5. For the records: I have never seen nor met the said lady in any capacity, and I find it absurd that she made such a damaging comment on me
6. The law, under which I seek redress picked her up for interrogation and investigation into the allegations. It is important to state that I was also invited for my side of the story
7. Upon realising that everything she said were lies aimed at damaging me, the law kept her for more discussions and investigations
8. All I requested was to retract the comment, make a public apology to me and publish the same in the social media and at least one national daily newspaper
9. I am a leader and a politician. I know the damaging implications of this statement to my career advancement and personal development. I request this, so that when my adversaries are at their usual work, I can protect myself from any impending danger.
10. Who knows, the lady could even be acting a script carefully manipulated by one of the adversaries! But I leave that to her conscience and the world to judge
11. Elders have intervened. Leaders have intervened. Individuals and groups too. I am for peace. Once she renders the public statements as I requested, I will plead also with the law that I have forgiven her and the people behind her (if any)
12. But God knows my heart. I have nothing personal than to protect myself and my family
13. Please note: I don’t want anyone to escalate this situation. It is between me (an aggrieved) and Vivian Matur (to defend). The unfortunate colouration it is taking is deeply regretted.

Thank you all

Rt. Hon. Dewan Kudangbena Gabriel

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