A publicist to the influential politician, Timothy Williams
has also released a statement explaining her side. It reads; “Permit me to
thank family, friends, honourable and distinguished members of the parliament,
concerned Nigerians and the general public, who have made spirited and frantic
solidarity efforts, to stand by Senator Grace Folashade Bent, on the occasion
of a recent publication, which was patently intended to defame and denigrate
her.”
“This publication, which was at the behest of one Ms.
Precious Chikwendu has been making rounds on the internet and diverse social
media platforms.”
“As a civil and law abiding citizen of Nigeria, the
distinguished Senator immediately reported the matter to the Police, and
investigation is ongoing. For the records, a swift report had to be made to the
relevant enforcement agency, because the publication alleged that the
distinguished Senator was after the life of Ms. Precious Chikwendu.”
“This is a very weighty allegation of assassination
tendencies and intendment.”
“The publication also alleged that Senator Grace Bent was
out to pervert the course of justice by making efforts at muscling Ms. Precious
Chikwendu to abandon her child custody suit.”
“This is another bold allegation of criminality and
disregard for the rule of law which no citizen of Nigeria who knows his / her
onions would be mute over.”
“Lastly the publication falsely alleged that the
distinguished Senator is on an errand for Chief Femi Fani-Kayode and that they
will together abusively activate the machineries of enforcement agencies
against Miss Precious Chikwendu.”
“As earlier noted a complaint has been submitted for
investigation bearing in mind that the publication was primarily meant to
incite the public against the distinguished Senator and to criminally damage
the reputation she has built over the years.”
“Senator Grace Bent is a mother to many and a grandmother
who appreciates family values and mutual respect for all and sundry.”
“Her interface with Ms. Precious Chikwendu is not in any way
significant, and is limited to about only two occasions.”
“This is the more reason it became imperative to lodge the
complaint, because the suggestion that the Senator wants to murder her is
dangerous, inexplicable and unfathomable.”
“Unfortunately, the witness referred to in the said
publication is Mrs Binta Sambo Dasuki, of whom Col. Sambo Dasuki (her husband),
and the husband of Senator Grace Bent, Chief Jackson Bent, have been very good
friends and were military course mates for several decades.”
“These are relationships that have been maintained for
several decades that the publication was carefully designed to prejudice.”
“Similarly, Senator Grace Bent and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode,
the former Minister of Aviation who was once married to Precious Chikwendu,
have been friends and political affiliates for many years, with mutual respect
for each other.”
“Friends don’t deny each other, when they go through stormy
waters. Her utmost respect for the dignity of the Court, will not in the remotest
terms, allow her to interfere with judicial process or the course of justice,
whether in the custody case involving Chief Femi Fani–Kayode’s children or any
other person.”
“Finally, Senator Grace Bent is consulting with her team of
lawyer and will not hesitate to seek appropriate redress against the wrongs
meted against her, both in law and equity.”
“Friends and family are encouraged to be at peace, and avoid
insalubrious comments, which may interfere with the ongoing investigation, and
other civil actions which may be initiated, at the time appropriate.”