Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, the member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency in Benue State in the House of Representatives, has threatened to file a N10 billion lawsuit against Venita Akpofure and the organizers of the reality show for what he perceives as “defaming” the Tiv Nation.
Venita Akpofure, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, faced backlash after making a controversial statement on the reality show, claiming that “Tiv men give their wives to visitors for entertainment purposes.” This statement led to outrage among the Tiv people of Nigeria’s North Central region, with many demanding legal action against her.
In response, Hon. Tarkighir has suggested that a N10 billion defamation lawsuit should be filed against Venita, the Big Brother Naija brand, and its promoters. He argues that they should be held accountable for providing her with a significant platform to make statements that he believes defamed the entire Tiv tribe.
This threat of legal action highlights the seriousness with which some individuals and communities take statements that they perceive as harmful or defamatory, especially when made on public platforms like reality television shows.