By Lilian Ezejiegu
The Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, has drawn a clear distinction between free expression and criminal defamation following a lawsuit against blogger Ejike Ofoegbu over allegedly fabricated stories targeting Governor Chukwuma Soludo and members of his family.
Speaking with journalists at his office in the Government Secretariat, Awka, Dr. Mefor explained that the blogger’s conduct amounted to criminal defamation, a matter distinct from legitimate criticism and one that falls within the purview of the Nigerian Police.
“This young man’s case has been very typical,” Dr. Mefor said, noting that the blogger did not merely speculate but deliberately fabricated the story against the Governor, his son, and his family.
He stressed that because the claims were consciously invented rather than mistaken, they could not be excused as opinion. “He knew it was a lie, he made it up,” Dr. Mefor said, adding that the motive appeared to be financial gain.
According to the Commissioner, the blogger reportedly used the fabricated content to drive traffic to his social media platforms, benefiting from monetisation as engagement increased through the circulation of the false claims.
Dr. Mefor urged content creators and social media users to exercise responsibility, reminding bloggers that there is a clear boundary between fair criticism, which strengthens democracy, and criminal defamation, which carries legal consequences.
He reaffirmed that the Soludo administration welcomes fair and constructive criticism, describing it as valuable feedback that helps improve government policies, strengthens implementation, and promotes greater accountability in public service.
“Criticism, when fair and constructive, is healthy for democracy,” Dr. Mefor said, noting that Governor Soludo’s administration actively encourages such engagement from the public.
However, he made it clear that the government draws a firm line at criminal defamation, pledging support for any public officer seeking legal redress against fabricated claims deliberately intended to damage personal reputation.
“Everybody has a name to protect,” Dr. Mefor said, urging public officials to press charges where necessary to expose fabrication for what it truly is.
Lilian is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
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