Nigerian oil executive Mohammed Kailani appeared on Trust TV’s “Daily Politics” program, and boldly questioned the origins of Billionaire Businessman Aliko Dangote’s wealth, suggesting shady dealings in Port Harcourt during the 1980s.
The interview, part of a discussion on Nigeria’s petroleum price wars, quickly escalated when Dangote’s legal team responded with a demand for a N100 billion defamation lawsuit if Kalani did not retract his statements.
A few days later Mohammed Kailani returned to the same program, this time with a noticeably different tone. Reading from prepared notes, he issued an unreserved apology, retracting his earlier comments and expressing regret for the misunderstanding that led to legal action being contemplated.
This was the interview that followed;
Interviewer; Let me ask you this question. After the interview, he asked his lawyers to write you to make some clarifications or risk going into court and then also asking for 100 billion damages. He specifically made reference to what you said around Port Harcourt in the 80s. So what will we say on that?
Mohammed Kailani; Okay, I’m here to retract and give apologies. I’m concerned about the development that has followed my recent interview on this station… And, sincerely regretted it. My comments have led to misunderstanding and a situation where legal action is being contemplated.”
