TheCable

Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, says no amount of harassment or intimidation can stop him from performing his legislative functions in the national assembly.

Assuring his supporters of his safety, Ekweremadu said security agencies are making efforts to beef up security around him.

The longest-serving deputy senate president in Nigeria’s history also expressed appreciation to all those who have rallied round him in the last few days.

On Sunday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to assassinate Ekweremadu and masterminding his invitation for questioning by the Nigerian police.

APC denied the allegations, though, saying that if the petition concerns alleged altering of the senate’s standing rules on the process of electing presiding officers, then it is a clear case of forgery, which the police have a duty to investigate.

“Questioning the right of the police to carry out their duties in this regard amounts to intimidating the security agency,” it said.

“Forgery is a crime that is being regularly investigated by the police, and it beggars belief that such investigation will now be interpreted to mean that Nigeria is descending into dictatorship or that democracy and the enjoyment of personal freedoms are now endangered. These claims by the scaremongering PDP are far-fetched and preposterous. If indeed there is a petition against Ekweremadu, he should gladly heed the invitation by the police so he can clear his name, because no one is above the law.”

But in a statement issued on his behalf by Uche Anichukwu, his spokesman, the lawmaker said the situation is now under control.

“Ekweremadu wishes to assure all Nigerians and concerned members of the international community that everything is under control and that all democratic steps are being taken to preserve the nation’s democracy and protect the independence of the legislature,” he said.

“The deputy president of the senate further wishes to assure Nigerians that necessary steps are being taken by the security agencies to beef up security around him.

“He appreciates the nation’s security agencies for their professional handling of the situation so far, and acknowledges with a deep sense of gratitude the numerous youths across the country who have volunteered to provide additional security around him.

“In all these, however, let it be known that no amount of intimidation or harassment will deter Senator Ekweremadu from carrying out the constitutionally prescribed duties, which on June 9, 2015, PDP and APC senators willingly elected him, in the full glare of the world, to perform.”