Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has dismissed the latest legal action by former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Freddie Blay, over the ongoing “State Capture” controversy.
Eddy Blay had previously filed a defamation lawsuit against Ablakwa, journalist Johnnie Hughes and Media General, demanding GH¢20 million in damages for allegedly tarnishing his reputation.
Ablakwa took to X (Twitter) to reiterate his readiness to face Freddie Blay, in court. He called the former NPP Chairman’s claim of difficulty in serving him with court papers “bluff.”
“Apparently Freddie Blay claims he couldn’t find Johnnie Hughes and I to serve us with his court processes, so he returned to court to obtain an order for substituted service. I didn’t know I am that difficult to locate. It is also exceedingly strange that a former MP and former Deputy Speaker will claim he doesn’t know how to find an MP to serve him with court processes,” Ablakwa posted.
The North Tongu MP indicated that he has instructed his lawyers to respond to the court accordingly. He also expressed eagerness for a legal “showdown” and reiterated his commitment to the fight against alleged “State Capture.”
Folks, apparently Freddie Blay claims he couldn’t find Johnnie Hughes and I to serve us with his court processes so he returned to court to obtain an order for substituted service.
I didn’t know I am that difficult to locate.
It is also exceedingly strange that a former MP and… pic.twitter.com/AZzA1gTuMo
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) September 8, 2024
Freddie Blay’s lawsuit followed Ablakwa’s public comments on 3FM and social media platforms, where he accused the former NPP Chairman of being involved in a scheme to appropriate national assets for personal gain. He responded by seeking GH¢20 million in damages, accusing Ablakwa, Johnnie Hughes and Media General of defamation.
The court has subsequently granted Mr. Blay’s request for substituted service, a legal method used when a defendant cannot be easily located for personal service of court documents.
