By Valentine Amanze
Deputy President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Ike Ekweremadu, at the weekend appealed to the Federal Government and Nigerians to work together to unite the nation.
Ekweremadu made the appeal in his statement titled, “Victory for Democracy”, in which he expressed happiness over Federal Government’s withdrawal of forgery case against him and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
He also said that he had forgiven those, who contributed to their plight with the Federal Government.
His words: “As we celebrate this triumph of democracy, I must, once again, call on the government to put behind politics and let us join hands in governance, especially now that our country is challenged on different fronts. As leaders at this critical juncture of our history, we must work together in the best interest of our people.
“As a Christian, I have forgiven all those behind this, for, ultimately, God is the driver of the destinies of men. I believe that, going forward, we must also learn to be just to all in accordance with our Oath of Office.
Today, the Federal Government of Nigeria withdrew the charges of forgery and conspiracy it preferred against me and the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki, before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja.
“We presented ourselves before the Honourable Court on June 27, 2016, and pleaded not guilty to the charges. I clearly recall stating on that day, my great comfort in the immortal words of the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, that history will vindicate the just. Today, time has indeed vindicated the just and it is victory for democracy. This day, my trust in God, the court, and the overwhelming solidarity of the good people of Nigeria is justified.”
The deputy Senate president
Thanked his constituents, Nigerians, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, elder statesmen, and the Civil Society and Fourth Estate of the Realm, who stood in defence of democracy and its blessings, while the trial lasted.
He also commended members of the international community, especially the Parliament of the United Kingdom, Parliament of the European Union, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union for their solidarity messages.
“I also appreciate the professionalism and conscientiousness of the Private Prosecutor, Mr. Aliyu Umar, SAN, for their support,” he said.