Youth Group Hails Government's Intervention in High-Profile Case
The youth division of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed strong approval for the Nigerian government's recent actions aimed at securing the return of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from the United Kingdom. The organization described the federal government's initiative as encouraging and heartening.
Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Youths, released an official statement highlighting the significance of this development. He recalled that during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, multiple appeals were made to intervene in Ekweremadu's legal situation, but these requests received no positive response from the previous government.
Tinubu Administration Takes Concrete Steps
President Bola Tinubu's government has initiated formal discussions with United Kingdom authorities regarding the potential transfer of Senator Ekweremadu to Nigeria to complete his remaining prison sentence. The diplomatic delegation, headed by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, has commenced consultations with UK officials to explore this possibility.
Okwu emphasized that this action demonstrates President Tinubu's genuine concern for the Igbo community. He stated that the current administration has consistently addressed matters important to Ndigbo that the previous government deliberately ignored.
The youth leader also acknowledged and celebrated the recent appointment of another Igbo individual to one of the nation's service chief positions, viewing it as another positive step toward inclusive governance.
Call for Expedited Process
While expressing gratitude for the government's initiative, the Ohanaeze youth president urged the Tinubu administration to accelerate the process of bringing Ekweremadu back to Nigeria. He stressed the importance of seeing this effort through to successful completion.
Okwu assured that the Igbo community deeply appreciates this gesture and will not take it for granted. He described the move as reinforcing the positive relationship between the current administration and the Igbo people.
The case has drawn significant attention since Ekweremadu's conviction in the United Kingdom, with many in Nigeria advocating for his transfer to serve his sentence in his home country. The recent government action represents the most substantial effort yet to make this happen.
