“Okonjo-Iweala should not be punished for toiling for Nigeria”

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

Kinsmen of the Okonjo family, under the Umu Anioma Foundation Worldwide have come out strongly against the kidnap of Prof Kanene Okonjo, mother to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. They have also demanded that security forces ensure her immediate release.
“Once again, the image smear on Delta State has been brought to
the fore with the unfortunate kidnapping of the aged mother of Nigeria’s energetic Finance Minister, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala from her home in Ogwashi-Uku a few hours ago,” said a statement from its national coordinator, Prince Charles Anyasi. “A few months ago, it was the turn of another prominent Anioma family to sweat in search of their mother who was abducted in her farm.
“Nothing can be hurting as the current worldview of Delta State encapsulated in BBC’s report of the unwholesome development, stating inter alia: Nigeria is one of the worst countries in the world for kidnapping, where it is a lucrative criminal enterprise worth millions of dollars a year.
“The crime is particularly prevalent in the oil-rich Delta State, although high-profile victims are uncommon.
“The question is; how did we get here? Whether this latest heinous act was orchestrated as a payback for the Finance Minister’s principled stand on the current Oil Subsidy imbroglio or as a message to scare innocent indigenes making preparations to be with their kit and kin in this festive season, the perpetrators had better get it clear that, as Daniel Defoe would say, Justice is always violent to the party offending. Yes, the offenders may not feel the violence now, but, before long, they certainly will.
“Umu Anioma Foundation Worldwide wishes to state categorically that a situation where citizens toiling diligently for the society’s positive turnaround are being punished by satanic elements can no longer be condoned. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of this old woman.
“As thousands of people get into celebration mood, many travelling to their respective home lands, we call on the security agents to beef up action and assure the public of safety.
“The time to act is now!”
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