Tinubu vs AIT : Lawyer says, no sign of settlement

By Abdulwahab Abdulah & jane Echewodo
Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, was on Wednesday told that there was no indication that parties in the N150 billion libel suit filed by APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu against Daar Communications PLC, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) are out for settlement.
Mr. Ayo Adesanmi, counsel to Tinubu in a response to an observation made by the court, disclosed that both parties had exchanged pretrial conference processes and that in view of the circumstances, no intention to settle had been shown.
Tinubu had dragged the television house to court, claiming damages over alleged documentary titled: “Lion of Bourdilion” ran by the television the house, which the politician claimed to have lowered his reputations in the eyes of the public.
He said the documentary was politically sponsored to tarnish his reputation in the public eye.
However, the trial judge adjourned the suit to allow the parties exhaust the option of settlement in a pretrial conference.
When the matter came up last month, (September 30), Justice Akinkugbe adjourned the matter till yesterday for further directives.
Before that time, specifically on April 1, the trial Judge granted an interlocutory injunction restraining AIT from further airing the documentary, pending the determination of the libel suit.
In line with his submission, Tinubu’s counsel, urged the judge to refer the case for commencement of trial since both parties had exchanged pretrial conference forms.
However, Justice Akinkugbe referred the parties to the Case Management Conference (CMC), maintaining that if during the conference the parties could not reach a compromise, the case would be referred to a trial judge.
She therefore adjourned the matter till November 16 for further directive.

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