Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has reinstated his innocence in the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules filed against him by the Federal Government. He said his only offence was becoming Senate Deputy President against the wishes of the โpowers that beโ.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, said Ekweremadu spoke yesterday when members of Enugu State Economic Advisory Committee visited him at his Enugu home. The statement said then Deputy Senate President insisted that his โhands were cleanโ.
It said Ekweremadu, who is also a member of the high-powered Economic Advisory Committee set up by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at the inception of his administration, reiterated his commitment to the principles of the separation of power, independence of the Legislature and growth of the nationโs democracy.
He said:
โI am indeed humbled by your solidarity. As they say, the true test of a man is not where he stands in the time of comfort; it is where he stands when there is a crisis. Many people may not take this step of faith because of the situation we found ourselves in the country. Some may be afraid of their liberty and afraid of any reprisal. But you have stepped out to come and show solidarity and ask questions in a matter concerning one of your sons.
โLet me start by reinstating my innocence; that I committed no offence or forged any documents. None of the accused persons, to the best of my knowledge, committed any offence, let alone forged any document. Let me also say that no senator accused me, the President of the Senate or the other people of committing any offence. No senator or bureaucrat accused us of forging any document.โ
