The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, says he has forgiven those behind his arraignment for a crime he never “contemplated”.
Ekweremadu, who said the interest of the country was above his personal interest and feelings, urged those in positions of authority to adhere to their oaths of office to be just to all.
Ekweremadu said this in a statement he personally signed, which was sent to The PUNCH by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, on Sunday.
The statement followed the withdrawal of charges of criminal conspiracy and forgery preferred against him; the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki; and two other former senior bureaucrats of the National Assembly.
The Deputy Senate President, who was later received in Enugu by a mammoth crowd of supporters and well-wishers, according to the statement, urged leaders to always put democracy and national interest above every other interest.
Ekweremadu said, “I clearly recall stating on that day (he was arraigned), my great comfort in the immortal words of late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe that history will vindicate the just.
“Time has indeed vindicated the just and it is victory for democracy. My trust in God, the court, and the overwhelming solidarity of the good people of Nigeria is justified.
“As a Christian, I have forgiven all those behind this for, ultimately, God is the driver of the destinies of men. I believe that Nigeria has to move on, but on the right path of justice and rule of law. Going forward, we must learn to be just to all in accordance with our oath of office.”
The Deputy Senate President called on those in government to “put politics behind 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,” Ekweremadu stressed.
