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.”
Credit: Guardian
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