Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
There is currently palpable joy in the eastern part of Nigeria as some of the Igbo leaders have taken their turn to express their joy and relief over the release of Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of the former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, from a United Kingdom (UK) prison.
Recall that, Beatrice Ekweremadu was convicted alongside her husband for allegedly trafficking a street hawker from Lagos to the UK allegedly under false pretences to donate an organ for their ailing daughter, Sophia.
While Ike received a 10-year sentence, Beatrice was sentenced to six years, despite concerns raised about her health.
They said Beatrice’s return to Nigeria has rekindled hope for the eventual release of her husband, who remains imprisoned over a controversial organ trafficking case.
The Secretary General of the Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), Chief Abia Onyike, sets the ball of the celebration rolling by describing her release as heartwarming.
“The ADF warmly welcomes the news of the return of Mrs. Ekweremadu. Her return is a wonderful development, and we wish her a happy reunion with her family members. The ADF also looks forward to the return of her husband, Ike Ekweremadu, in good health,” he said.
Also speaking, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-Governor of Enugu State, Chief Okwesilieze Nwodo, also expressed joy over her release, noting that the release holds great significance for her children.
“I am happy for the children because one of the parents is now out to look after them,” Nwodo said.
The immediate past National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, commended the Ekweremadus for their positive contributions to Enugu State and the country.
“I want to thank God for His grace upon Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife. It’s jubilation galore throughout Enugu State because they used the opportunity they had to impact lives positively, which demonstrates their remarkable qualities.
“The husband, in particular, represented the people of Enugu West immeasurably, and not just Enugu West but Enugu State as a whole. We pray that he will return to Nigeria in no distant time to continue his good work,” Ogbonnia added.
Former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Enugu State, Chief Ugonna Ibe, described the news as uplifting, adding that he looks forward to the release of Senator Ike Ekweremadu.
“It is a welcome development. We are all happy to receive the news. You know, temptation is part of life. I don’t have details of how the entire thing happened, but that is life. There are ups and downs.
“My prayer is that such a thing will not befall her or anyone in her family again. We also look forward to the release of her husband, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu,” he said.
In Ekweremadus’ hometown of Mpu, Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, the atmosphere has been electrified with celebration.
The release of Beatrice, who was convicted in May 2023 alongside her husband and a medical doctor, Obinna Obeta, was met with tears of joy and prayers for Ike’s release.
The councillor for Mpu Ward, Edwin Ogbuka, likened the mood to a public holiday.
“The news was a cheerful one. The absence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife created a big gap in the community. We are not going to relent in our prayers until our hero and leader joins his family, and we trust what God can do. It’s a celebration galore,” Ogbuka said.
The President of the Mpu Town Union Federated, Chief Benjamin Chijioke, echoed the joy in the community.
“Our joy as Mpu people knows no bounds. It is a great day for us. Since morning, it has been jubilation and celebration in all the villages. People are shedding tears of joy, especially those who depended on the family’s philanthropic disposition to survive.
“Today is our Orie market day, and the whole market was agog with celebration. We thank God and also pray that He will intervene so that our illustrious son and leader, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu, will join his family soonest.
“I don’t know what to say again because their absence have brought a huge setback to the community. We missed them a lot, but we thank God for everything,” Chijioke added.