S’East students, Igbo groups blame Buhari, APC over Ekweremadu

THE National Association of South-East Nigerian Students (NASENS) has slammed the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over their continued threat and intimidation of the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, following his election.

In a statement by its National President, Nweli Hilary, the body called for a stop to all such acts, adding that they are not happy with the ill treatment of Ekweremadu and will not fold their hands or remain silent against injustice.

Condemning the recent threats and accusations against Ekweremadu, they urged all concerned parties to pursue oneness and peace in the country. The statement noted that Ekweremadu was duly elected under the standing orders and rules of the National Assembly and the Nigerian Constitution.

Therefore, “the rule of law must be respected in the interest of justice, equity, fairness, oneness, peace and unity of our nation. Separation of powers and independence of the legislature must be respected.”

Similarly, Jos-based Igbo have condemned the unhealthy development, hoped that nothing untoward happens to Ekweremadu as the APC continues with its “avalanche of complaints.”

Speaking under the aegis of Izu-Umunna Cultural Association (ICA) and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the people said they would hold President Muhammadu Buhari and APC responsible is anything happens to their son resulting from the face-off.

ICA also asked the Federal Government to urgently relocate the Boko Haram detainees from Ekwulobia Prisons, as their presence was creating tension and further radicalising the youths. More so, it said, Ekwulobia Prisons is not a maximum security facility.

According to the group, their presence is like spreading the terrorism virus to a region not known for such. In a resolution at the weekend after an emergency meeting in Jos, Plateau State, the body affirmed the right of senators to choose their leaders.

Signed by the ICA President, Dr. Ugo Ihekuna, and Secretary General, Elvis Chukwu, “Izu-Umunna affirms that Senator Ekweremadu is a trusted national leader and has in several ways provided leadership, strength and acumen in the administration and legislative matters both in the National Assembly and the Pan-African Parliament.

“The association also calls on the President and the APC to face the nation’s challenges such as the indiscriminate bombings and shooting of innocent citizens.”

Likewise, the Ndigbo Youths Organisation frowned at the recent attacks and anti-Ekweremadu campaigns, saying the call for his resignation is unacceptable and an insult to the Igbo race.

In a statement by its secretary-general, Comrade Patrick Afubera, the group urged the Inspector-General of Police not to allow himself be drawn into the politics of the National Assembly leadership, “as we shall resist any attempt to ridicule our leader.”

It noted: “The Igbo are not visitors or passers-by in the Nigerian project, having made more sacrifice than any other tribe or region towards the sustenance of a united Nigeria. As such, we cannot and will not be relegated to the back stage.

“Again, the recent transfer of Boko Haram suspects to prisons in the South-East is a clear attempt to move insurgency to the region, as there is no logic in moving suspects on awaiting trial or whose trials are ongoing to detention centres outside the jurisdiction of the court.”