'God doesn't forsake his own' -- Iwu quotes Bible over N1.2bn fraud trial

‘God doesn’t forsake his own’ — Iwu quotes Bible over N1.2bn fraud trial

August 23

08:43 2019

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Maurice Iwu, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says God has not abandoned him in his ordeal with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC arraigned Iwu on four-count charges of money laundering to the tune of N1.23 billion.

The agency accused him of complicity in concealing N1.23 billion public funds between December 2014 and March 2015.

He was granted bail on stringent conditions and remanded in Ikoyi prisons, pending the perfection of the bail terms.

In a statement on Thursday, the former INEC chief said he believes he will be vindicated at the end of his prosecution.

“The journey I have found myself on began brewing on February 23, 2019 when I was deprived of my civic duty of voting in the presidential election as a result of the EFCC investigations. From the seizure of my international passport that February till this recent ordeal with actual charges and detention, God’s goodness has remained manifest as I recite Te Deum in thanksgiving,’’ he said.

“I want to thank Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora for their enormous show of concern, support and the spiritual discipline (for not crucifying me before my day in the court of law). My gratitude goes to Ndi Igbo, umu Imo, Okigwe indigenes (both at home and abroad), and clerics from various denominations, especially of the Catholic faith, which I belong to. The support was not just in words of encouragement but more in actions of prayers; for in it all, the glory of God was made manifest. Though I ask the same question Ps. 4:2a stated, ‘How long, oh men will you turn my glory into shame?’’

“Whenever persecution comes my way, I become more aware that God does not forsake His own indeed, and I’m encouraged by Ps. 34:19 ‘Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all’.”

While he was INEC chairman, Iwu oversaw the controversial 2007 general election. He announced a ban on foreign monitors from the exercise – an action which drew widespread condemnation.