Apologise for supporting IPOB – APC tells PDP, others

The All Progressive Congress (APC) has advised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to apologise for supporting the outlawed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB).

The APC made the request while condemning the assault meted out on former deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, at the weekend in Germany.

Mr Ekweremadu was attacked by suspected members of IPOB when he appeared in that country for a function.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, on Monday, the ruling party urged those who supported the proscribed group to tender apology to the nation.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) strongly condemns the attack on Senator Ike Ekweremadu, immediate past Deputy Senate President and serving Senator by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Saturday in Nuremberg, Germany,” the party said.

“Those involved in the despicable actions and the organisation they represent are unworthy in character. No Nigerian should be assaulted in the manner Senator Ekweremadu was. It is an indecent action and it is below the acceptable standard of behaviour expected of our citizens whether in Nigeria or abroad.

“It is however regrettable that some of the people and organizations who had offered these irresponsible elements open support in the past are raising their voices now. It would be recalled that the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its leaders chose to play politics over a matter that called for collective patriotic actions when IPOB raised a terror group in the South East.

“It is clear that PDP and its other short-sighted co-travelers who were the main cheerleaders of IPOB owe this country an apology. IPOB hid under regional identity to perpetrate criminality having recruited some misguided elements and miscreants.

“Are we surprised by the PDP’s hypocritical reaction to the unfortunate attack on Senator Ekweremadu? No! The PDP and their leaders have acted true to type. This is what happens when politicians become myopic and allow narrow sentiments becloud their sense of judgement.

“We all have a responsibility to collectively rise against evil wherever we find it and in whatever guise it appears. We hope lessons have been learnt from this unfortunate incident,” it added.