Ike Ekweremadu recounts ordeal in kidnappers's den


former Senate Deputy President Ike Ekweremadu says God's faithfulness in keeping his covenant with him in the early part of his life accounts for whatever success he has achieved in life.


Ekweremadu, who recounted that he came from a highly challenged part of Enugu State, said as a young man, he implored God to lift him so that he would be able to lift his people and the people of Enugu State.


The lawmaker spoke yesterday during a thanksgiving service to mark his 60th birthday at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherded (Anglican Communion) in Enugu.


The Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion, Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma extolled Ekweremadu's contributions to the development of Enugu State and Nigeria, describing him as the best senator in Enugu State.


Ekweremadu said: "I had a covenant with God early in life. I asked God for his mercy and favour so I could lift others. I prayed to God to give me an opportunity to be able to transform the society and assured Him that if he did that for me, as a testimony and a constant reminder, I would build a church for Him.


"God fulfilled his part of that covenant and I also fulfilled mine by building a church for him at Mpu, my community. Since that covenant, God has never looked back in matters concerning me. I passed through tribulations, I passed through water and I passed through fire, yet none has been able to consume me because God is with me.


"So, this 60th anniversary is 60 years of thanksgiving. It is about 60 years of grace and God's favour."


According to a statement by his Media Adviser, Uche Anichukwu, the former deputy Senate president promised to change the story of unemployment in Enugu State and develop the state if elected as governor in 2023.


Ekweremadu dispelled speculations that he was quarrelling with Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi over his ambition to succeed him in 2023.


He said his relationship with the governor had stood the test of time.


"I want to thank the governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his support. Many people may not know. Governor Ugwuanyi and I have been long time friends. He toiled through life with me and has remained a trusted friend. Our relationship has not strained in any way," Ekweremadu said.


He recalled how he was in the custody of kidnappers for several days, but returned unharmed, and attributed the high rate of crime to unemployment across the nation.


Ekweremadu said: "When His Lordship, the Bishop, spoke about some of my travails, he didn't remember to say that I was kidnapped in 2000 at Onu Asata in Enugu metropolis and was taken to Anambra State. I went to the bush with the kidnappers and passed the night with them.


"The next day, I was taken to Benue State from there. We later returned to Nsukka and just by the single grace of God, they let me go and gave me N1,500 for my transport. Not many people can be that lucky. So, I thank God and trust him."