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Tag: Ekweremadu

  • Tinubu’s delegation to UK discusses Ekweremadu’s transfer to Nigeria

    Tinubu’s delegation to UK discusses Ekweremadu’s transfer to Nigeria

    The Presidential Delegation to the United Kingdom has opened discussions on the possible transfer of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu to Nigeria.

    The ex- Senator is serving a nine-year and eight-month prison sentence while his wife Beatrice was sentenced to four years and six months and Obinna Obeta given a ten-year prison sentence.

    The team comprises the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi and Head of Prison, Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service is Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.

    The team has already met with the UK Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper and officials from the UK’s Ministry of Justice.

    The media aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, confirmed the meeting on Tuesday.

    Abdulkadir said that the presidential delegation was in London to engage with UK authorities to consider the possibility of Ekweremadu serving the remainder of his prison sentence in Nigeria.

    He said: “The Presidential Delegation met with UK Authorities to explore possibilities of Sen Ike Ekeweremandu serving the remainder of his sentence in Nigeria, consultations are ongoing.”

    The London Metropolitan Police detained the Ekweremadus in June 2022 after a man was alleged to have been deceived to a private renal unit at Royal Free Hospital in London as a relative of their daughter Sonia, in what turned out to be a failed attempt to convince medical professionals to perform an £80,000 transplant.

    The 21-year-old man, who had allegedly been promised employment in the UK, reported the incident to the police in May of that year, saying that he had been brought to the country for an organ transplant.

    In March 2023, the former presiding officer of the Senate was convicted of organ trafficking by a UK court. 

    Beatrice, his wife, and Obinna Obeta, a doctor connected to the case, were also found guilty.

  • Day Enugu community came alive for Ekweremadu’s wife

    Day Enugu community came alive for Ekweremadu’s wife

    The sleepy town of Mpu in Aninri Local Government area of Enugu State came alive last Wednesday as news of the return of Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from a United Kingdom prison filtered in.

    Mpu, a remote community, had gained local and national attention following the emergence of one of its sons, Senator Ekweremadu as the deputy president of the Senate in 2007. He is the only individual from the Aninri LGA to have risen to such prominence and political status.

    Since then, the community, alongside its neighbours, has been transformed into a livable place, attracting every possible modern amenity, courtesy of the senator.

    Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice alongside a doctor, Obinna Obeta were, however, arrested in London in June, 2022 for organ harvesting.

    Consequently, in March, 2023, the Central Criminal Court handed the former Deputy Senate President a jail term of nine years and eight months. His wife, Beatrice, was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment while Obeta received a 10-year prison term.

    As it would be expected, since the sentencing, the community had been downcast, hoping and praying for the quick release of the couple, whom they regard as their greatest benefactor.

    So, when news filtered in on Wednesday morning that Mrs Ekweremadu had returned to Nigeria and rejoined her family in Abuja after serving her jail term, the once ‘desolate’ community erupted in jubilation.

    Besides the jubilation going on in Ekweremadu’s community, Mpu, by his kinsmen, friends and associates, the mood in other towns of Aninri and the atmosphere in Enugu, the capital city, suddenly became charged and festive.

    When the news first filtered into the air, the people were not sure if it was only a rumour, as it is not unusual to peddle unfounded news at beer parlours, newspaper stands and drinking joints.

    While some were exercising caution, the streets, especially the popular Orie Mpu Market, were already taken over by jubilation: “Mummy is back, our mother is back”.

    As the atmosphere got more charged, others who earlier tried to exercise caution to be sure of the story soon joined the train as they could not resist it. Before long, the entire Mpu went agog.

    A source in Mpu, headquarters of Aninri LGA, said that motorcycles operators and motorists were driving, singing and chanting victory and freedom songs around the town, especially at the market square.

    They were upbeat that Ike too would soon return.

    Elated by the development, the President of Mpu Town Union Federated, Engr. Benjamin Chijioke, who spoke during the celebrations, described Mrs. Ekweremadu’s homecoming as a relief for the people.

     “Our joy as Mpu people knows no bounds. This is a great day for us. Since morning, it has been jubilation and celebration across all the villages,” he told newsmen on the telephone.

    Read Also: Ekweremadu’s ordeal avoidable, says NMA

    Chijioke further noted that the absence of the Ekweremadu family, known for their philanthropy, had left a void in the community, adding that many community members were overwhelmed with joy as they welcomed her back.

    According to him, the celebrations coincided with the community’s Orie market day.

     “We thank God and pray that He intervenes so that our illustrious son and leader, distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will soon return home in good health.

     “I don’t know what to say again because their absence has brought a huge setback to the community. We missed them a lot, but we thank God for everything,” Chijioke added.

    Also speaking, the councillor representing Mpu Ward, Hon. Edwin Ogbuka, also expressed gratitude for Mrs. Ekweremadu’s return.

    Ogbuka said: “It feels like a public holiday here in Mpu. The news brought so much cheer. We will continue to pray until our leader and hero, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, rejoins his family.”

    While the community was celebrating, the associates of the senator also expressed joy over the release and return of Beatrice.

    A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-Enugu State Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo also described Mrs. Ekweremadu’s freedom as a significant relief for her family and the entire Southeast region.

    He noted that her return to Nigeria would also help alleviate the loneliness her children endured during her incarceration.

    Also, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, who eulogised Ekweremadu’s family as nation-builders, said the significant development Senator Ike Ekweremadu brought to Enugu West and Enugu State in general was beyond measure.

     “I thank God for His grace upon Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife. It is jubilation galore throughout Enugu State because they used the opportunity they had to impact lives positively, which demonstrates their remarkable qualities.

     “The husband, in particular, was able to represent the people of Enugu West immeasurably, and not just Enugu West but Enugu State as a whole.

    “We pray that he will return to Nigeria in no distant time to continue his good work,” he said.

    The social media was not left out as it was also flooded with celebratory messages and prayers for Senator Ekweremadu’s return.

    One message read, “Daalu Ezinne! But I can’t wait until I see Ikeoha Global! The man who made me who I am politically—a builder of people and structures.”

  • Fresh trouble for jailed Ekweremadu in UK over new case

    Fresh trouble for jailed Ekweremadu in UK over new case

    A former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for human trafficking last year, is under investigation by the London Metropolitan Police in a new case linked to him.

    A documentary, titled: “Daniel vs Ekweremadu,” showed that the police are investigating a case involving Ekweremadu, although details of the case are scarce due to the ongoing investigation.

    Part One of the two-part docu-series was released on August 23; it is written and directed by award-winning filmmaker and TV host, Chude Jideonwo.

    In an email to the producers, a spokesperson to the police, Alexandra Meek, as shown in the documentary, explained the basis of the investigation.

    She said: “With regard to the live investigation, which is linked – On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime arrested a woman on suspicion of conspiracy to exploit for the purposes of organ harvesting.

    Read Also: Fresh trouble for jailed Ekweremadu in UK over new case

    “The woman, who is in her ‘50s, has been released under investigation. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

    Ms. Meek, who is a senior communication manager for the Met Police, said this was why the police could not participate in the documentary.

    Chude said: “‘Daniel’ is the name given by a journalist and adopted by the documentary filmmakers for the victim-survivor of the first conviction under the UK’s Modern Slavery Law – under which Ekweremadu became the first to be sentenced to jail alongside his wife, Beatrice, and a doctor-friend, Obinna Obeta.

    “It follows a directive from the judge of the case for the real name to remain undisclosed.

    ‘Daniel vs Ekweremadu’ tells the story of Senator Ekweremadu’s fall from Nigerian Deputy Senate President to British jailbird upon his conviction for organ harvesting.

    Shot in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the series includes exclusive access to British prosecutors, the police, the family of the survivor-victim, amongst others in this first-of-its-kind thriller-style documentary from a West African independent studio.

    “The two-part series is available exclusively on the streaming platform with Chude.com. It is produced by the factual film and series studio, Chude Jideonwo Presents,” the producers said.

  • Fresh trouble for jailed Ekweremadu in UK over new case

    Fresh trouble for jailed Ekweremadu in UK over new case

    Former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for human trafficking last year, is under investigation by the London Metropolitan Police in a new case linked to him.

    According to a documentary by Chude Jideonwo titled: “Daniel vs Ekweremadu,” the police are investigating a case involving Ekweremadu, although details are scarce due to the ongoing investigation.

    Part 1 of the two-part docu-series was released on Friday, 23 August. It is written and directed by award winning filmmaker and TV host, Chude Jideonwo.

    In an email from a spokesperson to the police, Alexandra Meek to the producers as shown in the documentary, she said: “With regards to the live investigation, which is linked – On Tuesday, 8 November 2022 detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime arrested a woman on suspicion of conspiracy to exploit for the purposes of organ harvesting. 

    Read Also: Ekweremadu, wife  not missing at son’s wedding

    “The woman, who is in her 50s, has been released under investigation. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

    Ms Meek, who is senior communication manager for the MET Police, gave this as a reason for the police’s inability to participate in the documentary.

    According to Chude: “‘Daniel’ is the name given by a journalist and adopted by the documentary filmmakers for the victim-survivor of the first conviction under the UK’s Modern Slavery Law – under which Ekweremadu became the first to be sentenced to jail alongside his wife, Beatrice and a doctor-friend, Obinna Obeta. 

    “It follows a directive from the judge of the case for the real name to remain undisclosed.

    “‘Daniel vs Ekweremadu’ tells the story of Senator Ekweremadu’s fall from Nigerian deputy senate president to British jailbird upon his conviction for organ harvesting.

    Shot in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the series includes exclusive access to British prosecutors, police, the family of the survivor-victim amongst others in this first-of-its-kind thriller-style documentary from a West African independent studio.”

  • Ekweremadu, wife  not missing at son’s wedding

    Ekweremadu, wife  not missing at son’s wedding

    In times of trouble, every man or woman will pray to have friends and family who are ready to stand by them. In the case of former Deputy President of the Senate Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, if they were at the wedding of their son Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jnr, the Enugu State commissioner for Sports, and Tiffany Adaobi last Saturday, at the Basilica of Grace Anglican Church, Gudu District, Abuja, they would probably have known how much they were loved by friends and associate.

    The couple’s incarceration in the United Kingdom kept them away from their son’s wedding. However, despite being away, the Ekweremadus enjoyed massive love from friends and political associates, who stood by Llyod and Adaobi for their nuptials and ensured they didn’t miss their parent’s presence.

    Despite party affiliations, the wedding was attended by top chieftains of both the People’s Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress which made it more interesting as everyone put behind them their political differences to show the Ekweremadu love at a time when the family needs people around them.

    Read Also: Your failed marriage isn’t due to not consulting God, Maduagwu advises Agwu

     Like the popular parlance which says, it’s in time of sorrow you know your true friends, Lloyd’s wedding further cemented the fact that humanity is greater than politics as all hands were on deck to ensure the wedding proceeding went on smoothly as the groom never felt the absence of his parents.

    Lloyd and Tiffany were solemnized in the presence of the Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim; former Senate Presidents, David Mark and Bukola Saraki as well as the PDP governorship candidate in Kogi State, Senator Dino Melaye; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and Minister-designate, Senator David Umahi and a host of others.

     Despite backlash from some people who believed that Llyod should not have held such an elaborate wedding while his parents were locked away, he has remained unperturbed as his parents gave their consent.

  • Attack on Ekweremadu, parody of our reality

    Sir: I call it the Nuremberg madness. I solemnly consider it as grotesquely outlandish. It defies all manner of ratiocination and rationalizations. I had read a number of opinions that tended to either draw some bizarre corollary upon which a general warning was issued to other Igbo leaders and leaders of other ethnic nationalities to beware, or that tended to justify the wanton assault in the context of the festering socio-political and economic ferment in Nigeria.

    Whatever precipitated the action by those irate folks in Nuremberg, leading to the unconscionable violation of the civility in the atmosphere of Germany that provides a catholic liberty, which John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) in his work: “On Liberty”, recognized as both the freedom to act and the absence of coercion? Whereas those men had the liberty to act in expression of their displeasure, they did not have liberty to coerce or assault Ekweremadu in the fashion they did.

    In fact, in the realm of domestic approbation and appreciation of social-political values, the physical assault of Ekweremadu offended the republican spirit of the Igbo people. In spite of their utmost frustrations, those folks, were they resident in Nigeria, and knowing full well that they have the power to vote out leaders in elective offices who fail to provide them with the kind of leadership they desire, should have waited for another general election to vote out leaders who have failed to perform or align with their aspirations.

    Instead of the global opprobrium that they had attracted to Ndigbo by their act of idiotic indiscretion, they should have embraced a mature way of passing across their displeasure. For instance, they could have embarked on a systematic campaign of naming and shaming leaders who have betrayed their people on the altar of filthy lucre; or who have compromised the ideas of Ndigbo for personal aggrandizement with a view to denying them the people’s votes whenever they seek re-validation of their mandates.

    That would have been much better than the great disservice to their individualities and, generically, to the pristine tradition of Ndigbo as a politically sophisticated and self-respecting people. Those who attacked Ekweremadu have lost the moral high ground. They have become vermin of a brutish culture that tended to misrepresent the Igbo people as bellicose and sanguinary.

    Even if the strategy must be to deploy force in correcting the structural imbalance in the Nigerian federation or addressing the existential problems facing the ethnic nationality, the Igbo would be committing a greater mistake, given their numbers, to push the frontiers of “freedom” as a fractious and separated ethnic nationality of disparate drum majors. That was the point that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), missed by its alleged directive to its members to humiliate Ekweremadu.

    But, to be sure, that act of folly in Nuremberg parodies our reality as a people. It is a travesty of our collective obscurantist predilection to raise all manner of issues that support our biased positions and suppress those that negate the same. Interestingly, the question now, and this clearly speaks to the perceived irritability of Ndigbo, is why was it that those folks chose the platform of unity, which the annual Yam festival typified for the ethnic nationality, to brutalise a rallying and uniting personality, thus damaging the fulcrum of unity?

    Ekweremadu may not have been the best or perfect paradigm of leadership that has been in a position to be able to minister to or address critical existential issues of the Igbo; there is also no justifiable basis to dismiss him as a selfish leader who, outright, did not promote the interest of Ndigbo.  If he had been an all-round failure in the praxis of pragmatic leadership, let Ndigbo speak out.

    Even where and when such allegation of failure cannot be rebutted, nobody, not even the IPoB or any Ibo group for that matter, has the right to abridge Ekweremadu’s rights of movement, association (in this case, he was invited to attend the event) and expression, let alone the rights to assault him in the sordid way and manner those folks dealt with him in Nuremberg.

    The Nuremberg saga may just be a wake-up call to advert the attention of the federal government to do the needful to douse the rising tension in the country that is triggering harsh reactions from and by “Diasporic Nigerians”.

    • Sufuyan Ojeifo,

    Abuja.

  • Anger over IPOB’s attack on Ekweremadu

    More condemnation on Monday trailed the attack on former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu by suspected members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Germany.

    He was to give a keynote address at the Second Annual Igbo Cultural Festival and Convention organised by Ndi-Igbo in Nuremberg, Germany, on Saturday.

    IPOB claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on Sunday, saying it ordered its members in 100 countries to attack Igbo leaders when they see them.

    Its spokesman Emma Powerful said: “In keeping with the long-standing directive from our leader to hound all instigators of Operation Python Dance, IPOB is glad to report that Ike Ekweremadu was confronted and duly hounded out of a so-called New Yam Festival event in Germany.”

    Reacting to the attack, the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to apologise to Nigerians for supporting IPOB.

    APC National Publicity Secretary Lanre Issa-Onilu described PDP’s reaction to the attack as hypocritical.

    The statement reads: “The APC strongly condemns the attack on Senator Ike Ekweremadu…by members of the outlawed IPOB.

    “Those involved in the despicable actions and the organisation they represent are unworthy in character.

    “No Nigerian should be assaulted in the manner Senator Ekweremadu was. It is an indecent action and it is below the acceptable standard of behaviour expected of our citizens, whether in Nigeria or abroad.

    Read Also: Ekweremadu’s Nuremberg trial

    “It is, however, regrettable that some of the people and organisations that had offered these irresponsible elements open support in the past are raising their voices now.

    “It would be recalled that the main opposition party, the PDP and its leaders, chose to play politics over a matter that called for collective patriotic actions when IPOB raised a terror group in the Southeast. It is clear that PDP and its other short-sighted co-travellers who were the main cheerleaders of IPOB owe this country an apology.”

    Southeast Governors’ Forum Chairman and Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi said that the problem with the members of the IPOB is illiteracy.

    He said that majority of them were suffering from illiteracy and needed to be enrolled in school.

    Umahi made this known while addressing stakeholders of the state during the flag off/ launch of Better Education Service Delivery for All, BESDA, that took place at Akanu Ibiam international conference centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital.

    He said: “We have 13.5 percent dropout of school children in Nigeria, this is very dangerous. For me, education is everything. Education is health, education is security.

    “Those that attacked him were not medical doctors or engineers or lawyers or chief executives of parastatals or industries.

    “Even if they were least educated people of IPOB members, they wouldn’t do what they did. And so, it is lack of education.”

    The Senate committee chairman on sports, Senator Obinna Ogba representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone, has tasked the German police authorities to prosecute the attackers of Ekweremadu to avert further occurrence.

    “What happened was a serious security threat to Igbo leaders and must not be treated with kid glove.

    “It was a national embarrassment and the miscrants must not be allowed to go unpunised” he said.

    Also, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, OYC, Secretary General, Okwu Nnabuike, said its investigation showed that the action of the IPOB members and their pay masters was all about the 2023 elections.

    “It is a slap on our face for anyone to visit such animalistic treatment on him under whatever guise,” he said.

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations Fidelis Soriwei, described the attack as regrettable, uncivilised and unfortunate.

    He said the former Deputy Senate President deserved respect rather than humiliation, adding that the attack was an assault on “our collective ideals”.

    He described Ekweremadu as a leader with great understanding and unflinching commitment to good of the Southeast.

    The statement reads: “The attack…was shocking and condemnable and I join Nigerians of good conscience to condemn it.

    “As a leader, Ekweremadu has shown great understanding of the issues affecting the Southeast and has been consistent in the pursuit of the interest of the Southeast.”

    This is as Ekweremadu’s kinsmen, under the aegis of the Enugu West Peoples Parliament, called for thorough investigation, arrest and prosecution of those who attacked the senator.

    At a briefing, they demanded an explanation by the Festival’s organisers as to why adequate security was not provided for guests.

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu, Kalu urge Muslims to pray for peace

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday called on Muslim faithful to pray for a positive turn around in the fortunes of the country.

    Saraki, in a goodwill message to mark the beginning of the holy month, signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, noted that since fasting symbolises internal cleansing and spiritual renewal, the country can benefit tremendously from the prayers of the faithful during the period.

    He said: “It is my prayer that Allah accepts the earnest prayers and sacrifices of the Muslim Ummah during this Holy Month. May we emerge better, both at the individual and national levels, after this spiritual exercise.

    “Let’s us seek an end to recurring killings, kidnapping and all forms of insecurity in our country. As community leaders and members of the Islamic faith, we have a responsibility to work for peace in our communities in particular, and the country in general.

    “We cannot afford to gloss over the present level of insecurity and harsh economic realities in our country. Therefore, let us pray earnestly for Allah’s intervention in the socio-economic life of our people,” he stated.

    Saraki also called on all leaders both at the national and state levels to put in place policies and programmes that would directly benefit the people and gainfully engage the nation’s growing youth population.

    He added that the high youth population in the country is a blessing as the young people can hasten the development process if positively engaged but that the advantage can also become a time bomb if they are not well managed and deployed for good causes.

    Ekweremadu on his own urged Nigerians to stand united in prayers in the Holy month of Ramadan.

    He said the nation’s challenges, though many, were surmountable if prayers and the right attitudes were applied.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu, said that Ekweremadu made the call in his goodwill message to the Muslim Ummah at the start of Ramadan Fast.

    Ekweremadu said: “At Ramadan, let the nation unite in prayer, for the spirit of unity, love, forgiveness, justice, and peaceful co-existence to prevail in the nation, for with these, we can easily surmount other challenges.

    “Importantly, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to also offer special prayers for members of our armed forces and security agencies, who are grappling with enormous security challenges at the moment”.

    He wished the Muslim faithful a spiritually rewarding month of Ramadan.

    Former Abia State Governor and Senator-elect, Abia North Senatorial District, Dr. Orji Kalu, urged Muslim faithful to use the holy month of Ramadan to offer prayers for the country.

    Acknowledging the peaceful co-existence among people of various religious faiths in Nigeria, the former governor urged Nigerians to imbibe the act of alms-giving, brotherliness and piety in their daily endeavours.

    Kalu, while urging the Muslim community to uphold the teachings of the holy Quran, stressed that the holy month of Ramadan should be dedicated to service to God and humanity.

    The Senator-elect wished the Muslim Ummah across the globe a spiritually-fulfilling exercise, adding that the holy month of Ramadan calls for self-appraisal and sober reflection.

    “I join our Muslim brothers and sisters across the globe to usher in the holy month of Ramadan. It is a special and sacred month in the Islamic calendar. It is a period Muslims must rededicate themselves to the service of God. Let us use this season to advocate good causes by embracing the teachings of the holy Quran. The qualities of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) must be emulated. We must demonstrate love, charity, selflessness, patriotism, religious and tolerance in our daily activities during this season and beyond. The holy month of Ramadan should be dedicated to intensive prayers for Nigeria.”

    The former governor while calling on Muslim faithful to follow the doctrine of Islam as encapsulated in the holy Quran, urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony regardless of religious differences.

  • Ninth Assembly will rise above political, ethnic divides -Ekweremadu

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has said that the 9th National Assembly will rise above political, religious, and ethnic divides to address the myriads of challenges facing Nigerians.

    Speaking during the dinner to mark the end of the orientation programme organised for Ninth National Assembly members-elect, Ekweremadu described the institution as Nigeria in microcosm.

    He stressed that bringing together the members-elect from across the country had not only helped them to garner basic legislative knowledge but familiarise them with one another and better appreciate peculiar challenges faced by various parts of Nigeria.

    He said: “After elections comes the onerous business of governance, and I am greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm and determination of distinguished senators and honourable members-elect to rise above narrow politics.

    “It gladdens the heart that members-elect are aware that once sworn in as distinguished senators and honourable members, we are bound by our oath of office and rules to always act in the overall interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of Nigeria.

    Read also: 9th Assembly: North East APC backs South East for Speaker, endorses Onyeheocha

    “We are bound by these instruments to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We may all have come in different vehicles as represented by our various political parties, but poverty and hunger faced by the masses of Nigeria have no political party.”

    The lawmaker added that “we may profess different religions, but the insecurity taking a toll on our people has no religion.

    “Therefore, it is imperative and we are indeed inclined to work as a team for the peace, justice, equity and national prosperity, irrespective of political leanings and diversities.

    “Ours is a call to service, a call to deliver democracy dividends, a call to meet the expectations of our people, and a call to ensure that the government of Nigeria works for the people, and I have no doubt that we will deliver on our mandates.”

    Ekweremadu urged them to remain true to the oath of allegiance they would take on the inauguration day to serve the people.

  • Ekweremadu donates classroom to Hausa community

    Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has donated and opened a classroom block to the Hausa community at Ugwuoba, Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    He also donated 21 motorcycles to the commercial motorcycle riders union at 9th Mile Corner, Udi council.

    A statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu, said Ekweremadu described education as the key to a good life, and urged the community to take advantage of the school to give their children education.

    The statement reads: “Your children are helping to tend cattle today, but let me tell you that in 20 to 30 years, they will not be interested in it. The best gift you can give to these children is education so they can contest and become councillors, governors, and even senators like me.

    “We will build another classroom block once this one is put to good use, and will ensure there is a functional borehole here, latest March 28, to take care of your water needs.

    “I urge to continue to support us by voting for all PDP candidates in the elections to enable us continue to do more for you.”

    At 9th Mile corner, Ekweremadu assured the people that the electricity transformer he donated will be installed for them immediately.

    He also pledged to rehabilitate the faulty borehole.

    “The 9th Mile is a very important city to us, being the commercial headquarters of our senatorial zone. We are already working with a Chinese consortium to turn the area into an economic hub and the foundation stone for that would be laid soon,” he promised.