The embattled Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, has insisted that no amount of persecution and blackmail can stop him from contesting the state’s governorship seat.
The deputy governor made the assertion on Wednesday, while addressing scores of Imo citizens in Owerri, the state capital.
Madumere also used the forum to commend the people of the state for coming out en masse in his defence despite a barrage of intimidation and molestation coming from government’s agents.
He also used the forum to commend Nigerians for speaking out, stating that he was proud to be a Nigerian, following the patriotic efforts of Imolites and Nigerians at large to call evil by its name.
Madumere said, “I am proud to be an Imolite. For the first time, we tore down the wall of our political leanings to call evil by its name. I commend the patriotic spirit of the Mbaise lawmakers, Hon. Mike Iheanetu, Hon. Bruno Ukoha and Ichie Ken Agbim, who rejected huge sums of money to say no to an evil plot against an innocent person. I commend the lawmakers from my Mbaitoli-Ikeduru Federal Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyi Nnataronye and Hon. Uche Oguike, choosing to bear the pain of being suspended for showing solidarity to me, knowing I had done nothing wrong.
“I must say that I am proud of our brother lawmakers from the Oru East and Oru West local government areas, Hon. Nkenna Nzeruo and Donatus Onuigwe, who are also suffering today for rejecting their bribes; saying no to blood oath-taking; and for refusing to join in the impunity.”
He further appreciated other notable Nigerians who also spoke against the unfortunate incident of the ill-fated actions of the state House of Assembly.
“I hail Chief Ikedi Ohakim, a former governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Femi Falana (SAN) and Senator Victor Umeh among many others.”
Madumere also reiterated his resolve to continue to stand for justice, equity and fair play, insisting that keeping quiet in times of injustice for temporary comfort was like piling up the devastation of unquantifiable measure of evil.
“Rise up and fight for your right. Do not allow anyone to usurp your freedom of expression, association and freedom to aspire to be whatever you wish to be. We must fight for equity, fair play and justice. It is only when we have these ingredients in our society that we can make the needed progress.” he added.
