From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Anayo Befford Onwuegbu, has expressed joy over the release of Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from prison in United Kingdom.
Speaking to National Assembly correspondents on Thursday, January 23rd in his office, Hon.Onwuegbu described the release of Mrs Ekweremadu from UK prison and her eventual return to Nigeria as a thing of joy to her immediate family, Mpu community and the entire people of Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency.
The Federal Lawmaker described Mrs. Ekweremadu as a trailblazer whose commitment to the welfare of people, especially people from Greater Awgu(Aninri, Awgu,Oji River LGAs) is always felt by all.
His words, “I’m gladdened with the news of Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu’s release from UK prison. This has brought so much joy and a sense of ecstasy to our people, especially her immediate family. She is my constituent and the wife of my very respected brother, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu. Her release and return to Nigeria is a great relief to her family and many of us.
“You must have read or seen videos of people celebrating her return. To be honest with you, her immediate family will have a better temperature at this point, given her long absence from The country. No mother wishes to be separated from her family for this long. I completely understand the situation and how difficult it was for loved ones and our people. She is welcome back home.”
Hon. Onwuegbu also expressed hope that her husband, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, would also be released sooner than expected,stating it is a legal matter.
“This is a legal matter, but I am hopeful he will come out stronger. Senator Ekweremadu is a great son of Enugu State who has contributed immensely to the development of our dear state and country. I have visited him in the UK, and we spoke on a lot of issues. I must confess that he is in high spirits”,Hon.Onwuegbu stated.
The federal lawmaker expressed his gratitude to friends, constituents, and other well-wishers of the Ekweremadu family in these trial moments, adding that it is one that has uplifted their faith in God.
Meanwhile, many communities and personalities in Enugu state has continued to celebrate the news of the release of Mrs Beatrice Ekweremadu from a UK prison. At Mpu Community,the village home of Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the entire Aninri local government area,the joy of the people knew know bound, immediately the news of Mrs Ekweremadu made waves on several social media platforms on Wednesday morning, January 22.
The situation was the same in many other communities in Awgu,Oji River,Udi and Ezeagu local government areas which forms Enugu West Senatorial district which Senator Ekweremadu represented for four tenures in the Upper house (Senate) of the National Assembly.
The Enugu metropolis was not left alone. Many political associates of Senator Ike Ekweremadu beamed with smiles while discussing the good news with friends and associates.
Dr Alex Ogbonnia, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, described Mrs Beatrice Ike Ekweremadu as ‘Mother General” ,which according to him is a title bestowed by the Catholic Church on women who have passion for humanitarian services,both in the church and the society at large.
Dr Ogbonnia said Mrs Beatrice Ekweremadu is a mother of all.
In a press statement he issued in Enugu,Dr Ogbonnia expressed optimism that Senator Ike Ekweremadu will also be released soon.
