FG, Ohanaeze condemn attack on Ekweremadu in Germany

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has condemned the attack on the former deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu at the 2nd Annual Igbo Cultural Festival held in Nuremberg, Germany, TOPNAIJA.NG reports.

Senator Ekweremadu, who was attending as a speaker and special guest of honour at the event organised by the Ndi-igbo Germany community was reportedly beaten up and publicly humiliated.

Dabiri-Erewa in a statement on Saturday described the incident as an embarrassment to the country. She stated that some of the culprits who perpetrated the act had been apprehended and called on the German government and law enforcement agencies to ensure they faced the consequences of their actions.

The NIDCOM boss stated, “It is also shamefully pathetic that an event which was nobly put together by the Ndi-Igbo community in Germany whose members make up the majority of Nigerians living in Germany, to amongst other things provide a forum for the Diasporans and various stakeholders to network and to facilitate a better cooperation between German and Nigerian businesses, ended up in such a disgraceful manner.”

She appealed to Nigerians to be of good behaviour wherever they find themselves “because such incidents tarnish the image of the country.”

In the same light, Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide also condemned the attack on the former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra in Germany.

Ohanaeze called on the German law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice. It described the assault on Senator Ekweremadu as a disgrace.

A statement by Chief Nnia Nwodo, President General of Ohanaeze said, “The assault on Ekweremadu by Igbos in Germany, described as IPOB, is disappointing, grotesque and dangerous for Igbo solidarity.

“This violent, rude, impertinent, divisive and discourteous style of IPOB or IPOB-instigated miscreants is damaging to our cause. It strengthens the case of those who describe them as terrorists and weaken our case against the infringement of our fundamental human rights.”

“Ekweremadu negotiated the sureties and securities for Nnamdi Kanu’s release on bail. He does not deserve this picketing and disgrace. A disgrace to him is a disgrace to Igbo race.

“Whilst I condemn the attack on our revered son and leader, I call on the law enforcement agencies in Germany to bring to book the perpetrators of this despicable act. It is un-Igbo. It is disgraceful.”