PAMO University Demands Apology from Rivers Speaker Over Alleged Defamatory Claims

PAMO University of Medical Sciences has demanded the immediate retraction and apology from the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, over comments the institution described as “malicious and defamatory.”

The private medical university, founded by former Rivers State Governor Peter Odili, issued the demand through its lawyer, Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, of Adedipe and Adedipe Legal Practitioners, in a letter dated Thursday, September 3, 2026.

The legal complaint relates to remarks Amaewhule allegedly made during the presentation of the 2026 Rivers State Appropriation Bill at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The Speaker reportedly raised concerns about a proposed ₦6 billion allocation to PAMO University, questioning the transparency of its management of funds previously provided by the state government.

According to the university’s lawyer, Amaewhule also allegedly claimed that PAMO had been invited by a House committee but failed to appear or submit financial records and reports to the Rivers State House of Assembly.

PAMO University, however, has rejected the allegations as false and unfounded. Its lawyer said the institution had never been invited by the Rivers State House of Assembly, or any other body, to account for funds provided by the state government under its scholarship obligations to Rivers students.

The university maintained that it has consistently used the scholarship funds for their intended purpose since the scheme began. Its legal team argued that the Speaker’s alleged statements could create the impression that the institution had acted irresponsibly or fraudulently by mismanaging or diverting public funds.

Adedipe said the comments had damaged the university’s reputation and integrity, prompting the demand for a formal retraction and apology. The lawyer gave Amaewhule 24 hours from notification of the letter to comply with the demands.

The university warned that failure to retract the alleged statements and apologise within the stipulated period would result in legal action. PAMO said it would approach a court of competent jurisdiction to seek appropriate remedies without further notice to the Speaker.

The dispute adds another layer to ongoing political and institutional tensions in Rivers State, with the university now threatening court action over comments surrounding public funding and its scholarship programme.