By Gideon Maxwell
November 3, 2024
David Hundeyin’s latest article on Parallel Facts demonstrates a troubling reliance on falsehoods, as he accuses Nigeria’s former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, of reducing Pfizer’s $6bn settlement to $75m after the Trovan drug trials. This claim is not only baseless but also reflects a recurring pattern of deliberate distortions aimed at tarnishing Osinbajo’s well-documented record of integrity and service, which speaks for itself.
It is crucial to first clarify the key points about the Trovan case and Osinbajo’s role. Contrary to Hundeyin’s claims, Osinbajo was not the lawyer representing the Federal Government of Nigeria in this matter. In fact, Osinbajo, at the time, was representing the Kano State Government, not the federal government. The legal team working for the Federal Government was entirely separate from Osinbajo’s. Moreover, it was not Osinbajo or his team that facilitated the reduction of Pfizer’s settlement. Instead, it was Pfizer’s own legal strategy that aimed to reduce their financial exposure in the matter.
Osinbajo’s legal team worked tirelessly to advocate for the interests of Kano State, securing damages for the state and pushing for Pfizer to take responsibility for the harm done to its citizens. One of the significant victories was ensuring that Pfizer funded the construction of a large hospital in Kano as part of the settlement. This outcome demonstrated Osinbajo’s commitment to justice and his unwavering stance in defending the rights of the people he represented.
David Hundeyin’s claims against Osinbajo are not an isolated event in his pattern of reckless reporting. Recently, Hundeyin found himself in legal trouble when he was found guilty of defamation against a BBC reporter. The court ruled that he had wrongly labelled the journalist, causing damage to her reputation, and ordered him to pay £95,000 in damages. This disgraceful episode revealed his tendency to misuse the platform afforded to him by the media, making unsubstantiated and harmful claims.
It is noteworthy that this is not the first time Hundeyin has made unfounded attacks on Prof. Osinbajo. In the past, his misleading assertions were met with widespread backlash from Nigerians, who quickly recognised that his accusations lacked any factual basis. Hundeyin’s attempts to discredit a man of Osinbajo’s stature, who has built a career based on integrity, excellence, and service to the Nigerian people, only highlight his own dishonourable agenda.
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Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s reputation as a legal scholar, practitioner, and public servant remains untainted by Hundeyin’s baseless allegations. Throughout his career, Osinbajo has been recognised for his unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and service. As a law lecturer in University of Lagos, UNILAG, he mentored countless students, instilling in them the values of integrity and excellence. As a legal practitioner, he built a distinguished career in private practice before dedicating his life to public service.
During his tenure as Vice President, Osinbajo consistently demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility and service to Nigerians, from championing significant legal reforms to supporting initiatives that fostered economic growth and social welfare. His actions and achievements speak for themselves, and his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity is widely recognised.
It is high time that David Hundeyin is held accountable for his repeated attempts to destroy the reputations of men and women who have made significant contributions to society. His recent attacks on Prof. Osinbajo, just as in the past, are rooted in deceit and a clear lack of respect for truth. Instead of engaging in character assassination, Hundeyin should consider making a public apology for the damage he has caused to the BBC reporter and others he has defamed.
Prof. Osinbajo, by contrast, continues to inspire Nigerians through his work, his ethics, and his dedication to building a better future for the country. It is not surprising that he remains a respected figure, despite the efforts of individuals like Hundeyin to tarnish his reputation. As Nigerians, it is crucial that we continue to support and uphold the integrity of leaders who strive to make a positive impact, rather than giving space to those who seek to destroy them through falsehoods and fabrications.
In essence, David Hundeyin’s baseless and misleading attack on Prof. Yemi Osinbajo should not be given any credence. The truth is clear: Osinbajo stood firm in defending the interests of Kano State during the Pfizer case and achieved a significant victory for the people he represented. It is time to reject the tactics of those who seek to undermine truth and honour, and instead, celebrate the legacy of individuals like Prof. Osinbajo, who continue to serve Nigeria with distinction and integrity.
