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| Ike Ekewremadu |
Ike Ekweremadu is a Nigerian politician who has held various political positions throughout his career. He was born on May 12, 1962, in Amachara Mpu in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. Ekweremadu is a lawyer and has served as a senator in the Nigerian National Assembly since 2003, representing the Enugu West Senatorial District. He is a member of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) and has held several key positions in the party.
Early Life and Education
Ekweremadu attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1987. He subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988. Ekweremadu also earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the University of Jos in 1991.
Political Career
Ekweremadu's political career began in 1997 when he was appointed the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. In 2002, he was appointed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), a position he held until 2003 when he was elected to the Nigerian Senate to represent the Enugu West Senatorial District.
Ekweremadu has been re-elected to the Senate four times, in 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019. He has also held several key positions in the Senate, including the Deputy President of the Senate from 2007 to 2019, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology.
In addition to his political positions, Ekweremadu is also a member of several professional and social organizations, including the Nigerian Bar Association, the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, and the Rotary Club.
Achievements and Contributions
During his time in the Nigerian Senate, Ekweremadu has made significant contributions to the development of the country. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, he played a key role in the amendment of the Nigerian Constitution, which led to the establishment of the National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO), the National Industrial Court, and the National Council of State. He also championed the inclusion of the right to free and compulsory education in the constitution.
Ekweremadu has also been an advocate for the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development in Nigeria. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, he has led several initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges in the country, including the cleanup of the Ogoni oil spill and the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change.
In recognition of his contributions to Nigeria, Ekweremadu has received several awards and honors, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2006, the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in 2015, and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2017.
Controversies
Despite his achievements and contributions, Ekweremadu has also been embroiled in several controversies throughout his career. In 2015, he was accused of falsifying his academic qualifications by a group of lawyers who filed a suit against him. The case was eventually dismissed by a court, which ruled that the lawyers lacked the locus standi to bring the suit.
In 2018, Ekweremadu was also involved in an incident in Germany where he was physically assaulted by a group of people believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during a cultural festival. The incident sparked outrage among Nigerians and led to calls for increased security for Nigerian politicians traveling abroad.
In 2019, Ekweremadu was again in the news when he was attacked by members of IPOB at a cultural event in Nuremberg, Germany. The group accused him of supporting the Nigerian government's crackdown on their activities. The incident once again drew widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
Ekweremadu's involvement in the controversy surrounding the impeachment of former Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, has also been a source of controversy. He was accused of playing a role in the impeachment, which was widely criticized as being politically motivated.
Personal Life
Ekweremadu is married and has children. He is also a devout Catholic and is known for his philanthropic activities, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
Conclusion
Ike Ekweremadu is a prominent Nigerian politician who has made significant contributions to the development of the country. His career has been marked by several achievements and controversies, and he has remained a key figure in the Nigerian political landscape. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Ekweremadu's contributions to the development of Nigeria cannot be ignored, and he remains a respected figure in the country.