Rivers Political War Deepens! Tonye Cole Demands ₦20 Billion And Apology Over Wike’s Explosive Comment

The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has demanded a public apology and ₦20 billion in damages from Channels Television over alleged defamatory remarks made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a seven-page demand letter dated October 8, 2025, and addressed to Channels Incorporated Ltd., owners of Channels TV, Cole’s lawyers accused the station of broadcasting “false, malicious, and injurious statements” that severely tarnished his reputation.

The dispute centers on the September 18, 2025 edition of Politics Today, hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, titled “One-on-One with Nyesom Wike.” During the live interview, Wike — a former governor of Rivers State — allegedly described Cole as a “thief”, accused him of “stealing state resources”, and labeled him a “conduit pipe with Sahara” responsible for “selling Rivers State gas for $308 million,” which he claimed crippled the state’s finances.

Cole’s legal team contended that Channels TV acted recklessly and without due diligence by granting Wike “unrestricted airtime” to make baseless claims and by rebroadcasting and retaining the interview on its YouTube channel, thereby amplifying the damage.

According to the letter, the statements painted Cole — a respected architect, entrepreneur, and pastor — as “dishonest, fraudulent, and morally bankrupt,” exposing him to public ridicule, hatred, and contempt, and diminishing his standing among peers and associates.

“Our client categorically denies these allegations and states unequivocally that he has never been indicted, convicted, or found guilty of any crime whatsoever,” the letter stated.

The lawyers accused Channels TV of showing “reckless disregard for truth and fairness” and of failing to verify or retract the defamatory comments. To remedy the situation, they issued a 14-day ultimatum — expiring October 22, 2025 — demanding that Channels TV:

1. Retract the defamatory statements with equal prominence on air,

2. Publish a written and televised apology,

3. Remove the offending programme from all digital platforms, and

4. Pay ₦20 billion in damages via bank draft.

Failure to comply, the lawyers warned, would leave their client with no choice but to pursue legal action.

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