Nigeria

Ike Ekweremadu: Ndi-Igbo Germany apologises, condemns IPOB

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 11:39 AM by Khadijah Thabit

- Ndi-Igbo in Germany described the attack on former deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, as barbaric

- The umbrella body of Igbos in Germany said the attack did not represent their own interest

- The group tendered an unreserved apology to Ekweremadu and called for unity

Ndi-Igbo Germany has condemned the attack on former deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The lawmaker was caught on video being attacked by some youths at a programme he attended in Germany.

Business Day reports that the umbrella group of Igbos in Germany in a statement on Monday, August 19, said the event was to encourage foreign investment in Igbo land.

Ogechukwu Nsofor who is the leader of the group expressed shock over the attack on Ekweremadu.

He said: “Ndi-Igbo Germany, wish to offer our unequivocal apology to our special guest of honour, Senator Ike Ekweremadu – former deputy Senate president – for the unfortunate treatment misdirected at him by members of Indigenous Peoples Of Biafra (IPOB) in Germany during the occasion of our 2nd Annual Igbo Cultural Festival and Convention 2019.

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“It must be emphasised that Senator Dr. Ike Ekweremadu had nothing personal to gain in attending our cultural day. Rather the Igbo residents here in Germany lost an opportunity to tap into his reservoir of knowledge.

“No words can describe our shock, our consternation, and our sadness at this inexcusable, shameful and senseless attack. We apologise from the depths of our hearts that you had to experience such a horrible thing here in our midst. This is not how we are here. Please do not hold this incident against the 99 percent law abiding Umu-Igbo in Germany."

The group tendered apology to Ohaneze Ndi Igbo and to all well-meaning Igbo-Diasporan groups and associations both at home and abroad. The group also tendered apology to Nigeria and the National Assembly.

It warned Umu Igbo against turning against themselves in senseless violence but to rather seek unity.

“Ndi-Igbo Germany (N.I.G) condenm in strongest terms this action by the members of IPOB in Germany against Senator Dr. Ike Ikweremadu. Ndi-Igbo Germany distances herself from any group that encourages violence, directly or indirectly.

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“It is not acceptable that an Igbo man or woman would come to the occasion of an ancient Igbo traditional event like Iri-ji and not only cause commotion, but also physically attack an invited guest, a fellow Igbo brother from home and a senior Igbo elder statesman in the person of Senator Dr. Ike Ekweremadu. This is an abomination in Igbo land. And in a foreign land! Is this what we have come to in our united struggle, Ndi Igbo? A house divided against itself cannot stand,” it added.

The group said the action of IPOB means it has lost some of its earlier sympathisers and that Ndigbo in Germany condemned the attack on Ekweremadu.

“Ndi–Igbo Germany will let the full weight of the law take its course. As we all work together towards the redemption of Ala Igbo, let no one think that he or she has more claim to Igbo nation than the other.”