ATTACK ON DSP: South East Governors’ Forum, Other Notable Nigerians Demand for Thorough Investigation of the Matter
The South East Governors’ Forum has called for an unbiased investigation into the alleged attempted assassination of the Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.
The forum said it rejected what it termed as hasty conclusion by the investigating security agency that said the attack was a case of burglary.
The Director General of the forum, Professor Simon Ortuanya made the call in Enugu while briefing newsmen on the position of the forum on the issue.
He said that the alleged attempted attack on Ekweremadu had cast a dark shadow on the State of security of lives and property in Nigeria.
Professor Ortuanya further said that the forum was worried over the continued deterioration of facilities at Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu.
He lamented that an economically robust region as the South East did not have an airport that could land all categories of aircraft.
On the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge, the Director General of the forum expressed worry that it had become a political chess board for any administration.
He said that the construction of the bridge needed to be taken seriously and delivered on good time.
He said that the facility was the gateway to the Eastern part of the country with business hubs of Onitsha, Nnewi and Aba.
Meanwhile, some lawyers in Enugu State have also faulted the interim report by the Nigeria Police Force, which described the attack on the Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu as a burglary.
The lawyers under the auspices of Enugu West Concerned Lawyers’ Forum made their feelings known while interacting with newsmen in Enugu.
According to the Coordinator of the group, Mr. Peter Aja, it is suspicious that burglars would take the great risk of taking their trade to such high security premises. He called on the Police to do a thorough investigation.
Mr. Aja recalled that the incident was not the first attempt made on the life of the lawmaker and wondered why some people wanted him dead.
Another member of the group, Mr. Seth Nwokolo described Chief Ekweremadu as an outstanding leader whose services were being felt across the country and joined the call for thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
Other members, including Mr. Ray Onyimba, Chief Destiny Nnagbo and Mr. Nonso Ezeike urged the Deputy President of the Senate not to be deterred by the incident, noting that they would continue to support and pray for him.
CHUKWUMA EZOGU & OBINNA OGBUKA