ABUJA – Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has expressed serious concern over current development linking him with alleged forgery of the 2015 Senate Standing Order.
In a statement yesterday, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, the DSP noted that he had received numerous calls and messages from well meaning Nigerians since the matter became a public issue and assured Nigerians that he would not allow himself to be intimidated by the unfortunate issue.
He explained that various groups and organisations had also expressed utter dismay and concern over the unfolding drama in which his life and liberty are being threatened by desperate politicians.
The statement reads in part, “Ekweremadu wishes to assure all Nigerians and concerned members of the international community that everything is under control and that all democratic steps are being taken to preserve the nation’s democracy and protect the independence of the legislature.
“The Deputy President of the Senate further wishes to assure Nigerians that necessary steps are being taken by the security agencies to beef up security around him.
“He appreciates the nation’s security agencies for their professional handling of the situation so far, and acknowledges with a deep sense of gratitude the numerous youths across the country who have volunteered to provide additional security around him.
“In all these, however, let it be known that no amount of intimidation or harassment will deter Senator Ekweremadu from carrying out the constitutionally prescribed duties, which on June 9, 2015, PDP and APC Senators willingly elected him in the full glare of the world to perform.”
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost socio-political organisation of the Igbos, yesterday, warned that Ndigbo would resist any attempt to harass Senator Ike Ekweremadu over his election as the Deputy Senate President. The organisation said Igbos are prepared to defend Ekweremadu.
Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, disclosed the organisation’s stand on the controversy over Ekweremadu’s election as the deputy senate president.
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress is calling for Ekweremadu’s removal from the position.
Ekweremadu was reportedly invited to the police headquarters over a fallout of the crisis that ensued after he emerged as the deputy senate president following Senator Bukola Saraki’s election as the senate president against the wishes of the leadership of the APC.
Reacting to the development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said anybody that intends to harm Ekweremadu should be ready to face the consequences as he enjoys the strong support of his people who are ready to defend him.
Nwaorgu said it was a well known fact that Ndigbo voted massively for Peoples Democratic Party in the last election, adding that the Igbos are ready to stand by those they elected to represent them at various levels of government.
He said, “We are watching closely what is happening at the national level and we want to let the world know that we are solidly behind our son, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.
“I am saying it loud and clear that Senator Ekweremadu, who was duly elected by his colleague as deputy president of the Senate, is owned by a people and his people, Ndigbo, are solidly behind him because they voted for the PDP.
“The grand-standing by those seeking patronage from the ruling All Progressives Congress does not bother us.
“We stand by our choice without regrets. Let it be known to all that Ndigbo should not be taken for granted.”
Dismissing claims by some APC senators that Senator Ekweremadu was not properly elected, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo scribe said, “If he was not properly elected, why should the election of Senator Bukola Saraki conducted at the same time, same day, same venue and by the same people be upheld as flawless?”
He further said the executive arm of government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, has no authority over the national assembly and as a result cannot dictate to the lawmakers.
Nwaorgu equally stressed that the APC as a political party has no powers to chose the leaders of the national assembly.
