RE: FORMAL STATEMENT OF RETRACTION AND APOLOGY

RETRACTION & LETTER OF APOLOGY

Immediate Past Secretary, Warri North Local Government Council

Former Secretary, Delta State College of Local Government Secretaries

Date: May 23, 2025

To: Mr. Mathew Tonlagha

RE: FORMAL STATEMENT OF RETRACTION AND APOLOGY

Dear Mr. Tonlagha,

Pursuant to the concerns formally communicated by your legal representatives in respect of certain assertions contained in my recent commentary titled “Outcome of the NSA Meeting with Ijaw, Urhobo, and Itsekiri Stakeholders in Abuja,” I deem it both prudent and honourable to make this formal retraction and offer a corresponding unreserved apology.

Upon careful introspection, and in furtherance of the demands of public responsibility, I acknowledge that certain remarks—particularly those which implied financial impropriety or direct involvement in matters relating to the ward delineation controversy—were not only unsubstantiated but also capable of conveying unintended imputations on your person.

It was never my intention to malign your character or impugn your reputation in the eyes of the public. As a former public officer myself, I fully appreciate the value of name, standing, and honour—assets which must not be casually or unfairly diminished.

In light of the above, I hereby formally withdraw and fully retract all portions of the said publication which concern you and which may have caused you distress, embarrassment, or injury to reputation. I offer this retraction in good faith, with a sense of responsibility and a firm commitment to more constructive public engagement in future.

May I also commend your graciousness and sense of restraint in seeking redress through lawful and civil channels. It is my sincere hope that this statement contributes, even in some small measure, to the advancement of peace, mutual respect, and unity in our region.

Yours sincerely,

Samuel Meyiwa Khalil

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