The publisher of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, Ejike Ofoegbu Experience, has issued a public apology to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, over a series of fabricated reports published about the governor, his son, Ozonna Soludo, and members of his family.
In a statement released on Sunday, the publisher admitted that the reports were false, lacked credible sources and should never have been presented as factual news.
Experience acknowledged that none of the publications was based on verified information from Governor Soludo, his family or any official representative.
He also extended his apology over other false reports published about Governor Soludo and the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi.
Taking full responsibility for the publications, the publisher admitted that the reports were created to generate online traffic, increase audience engagement and boost financial returns.
He described the publications as fabricated and urged members of the public to disregard them in their entirety.
Experience also apologised to the people of Anambra State, readers of Igbo Times Magazine and INews, as well as everyone who may have read or shared the false reports.
He pledged to strengthen editorial standards and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
The publisher concluded by offering an unreserved apology to Governor Soludo, his family and the general public, while appealing for forgiveness over the misinformation.
