What Ekweremadu Told Me About IPOB’s Attack – Saraki

Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President, has expressed sadness over the attack on attack on Ike Ekweremadu, a former Deputy Senate President by some members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), in Germany.

Naija News had reported earlier that Ekweremadu was attacked by the IPOB members in Nuremberg, Germany on Saturday, August 17.

This online news platform understands that Ekweremadu was attacked during the annual cultural festival of the Ndigbo, apex social-cultural group in the south-east.

Speaking after the ugly incident in a statement issued by Uche Anichukwu, his media aide, Ekweremadu assured Ndigbo and his supporters across the nation that he was safe.

“I attended the Second Annual Cultural Festival and Convention organised by Ndi-Igbo Germany in Nurnberg today where I was billed to give a keynote address along with the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who, however, could not make it eventually,” he said in the statement.

“I attended the Second Annual Cultural Festival and Convention organised by Ndi-Igbo Germany in Nurnberg today where I was billed to give a keynote address along with the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, who, however, could not make it eventually,” he said in the statement.

“I was given a resounding welcome by Ndigbo in Germany and everything went smoothly until some men, who identified themselves as IPOB members stormed the venue and began to complain about the killings in the South East, stressing that there would be no Igbo event at the venue.

“I tried to engage them, but when they became unruly, I had to leave the venue. The organisers also invited the police and I was accompanied out of the venue,” Ekweremadu said.

Speaking further, Ekweremadu said: “Much as I am disappointed in their conduct, especially as I am one of the persons who have spoken up on justice for Ndigbo, the Python Dance, judicial killings in Igbo land and elsewhere both on the floor of the Senate and in my written and personal engagements with the Presidency as well as rallied the southeast Senate Caucus to secure Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe taking him on bail to douse tension in the South East, I nevertheless do not hold this to heart against them, for they know not what they do.

“I have received thousands of solidarity calls and messages from well-meaning Ndigbo. I want to assure them that I am hail and hearty. I have also spoken with the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar”.

Reacting to the incident, Saraki revealed that Ekweremadu is doing well as he spoke with him on phone after the incident.

Saraki wrote: “I spoke with my brother and friend, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu yesterday after hearing about the unfortunate incident in Germany and I thank God that he is fine and very well.

“I remember that on Thursday before departing Nigeria he visited me and I could see the enthusiasm, excitement, and passion with which he looked forward to meeting Nigerians in Nuremberg at the 2nd Annual Cultural Festival, particularly after attending a very successful 1 earlier in US.

“The Nuremberg incident was highly unfortunate and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora need to avoid this kind of unnecessary distraction.

“This is a time we all have to work together to foster unity and peace in our country. I am happy Ike remains unshaken and solid in his belief about a united, strong and prosperous Nigeria.”