The Coordinating Minister for the
Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said that the kidnap and eventual
release of her mother will not deter her from pushing forward with
national economic reforms.
The Ogwashi-Uku palace, in Delta State
erupted in joy on Friday following the return of the Queen, Professor
Kanene Okonjo, who was kidnapped last Sunday.
Police said that a motorcycle took the woman
to the palace early Friday morning after she regained her freedom from
the kidnappers. A palace source and the police, however, said no ransom
was paid to secure her release.
Dr (Mrs) Okonjo-Iweala, who was
responding to several posts on Tweeter on Friday afternoon, replied
those hinting that she would soft-pedal on the fight against subsidy
scammers and her push for further reforms of the economy.
Some of the tweets read: ‘I just
realised what NOI (Ngozi Okonjo Iweala) is up against. It must be a
tough, lonely world to be in this government.’ Another tweet noted
‘Anyway, now they have successful struck fear into her heart. I won’t
blame her for treading carefully now’.
Others questioned the source of the
alleged ransom paid for the release while some insinuated that the
kidnap was meant to stop the minister in her reforms, especially in the
management of the fuel subsidy.
The minister, who is also on twitter,
however, responded sharply: “Far from being afraid, I have been made
stronger by this experience. I refuse to be intimidated.”`
But addressing journalists on Friday, in
Asaba, the state Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba, said the
leader of Prof Okonjo’s kidnappers, identified as Nwose Nwanze, a native
of Asaba, was killed while four others were arrested. The police gave
their names as Hard drug, Tsetsefly, Tipperboy and Bright.
The two vehicles used in the abduction of the old woman, a Volkswagen Golf with registration
number ASB 697 AA and bus with registration number KPP 64XA with
inscription ‘Missionary’, God Delight City Church International, were
recovered.
The police boss said that the kingpin
was shot as he attempted to scale the fence in their hideout in Asaba,
and later died at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.
According to him, the notorious kidnap
chief was once arrested and charged to court for the kidnap and murder
of Obilink, a petroleum magnate in Asaba, and later released.
Aduba said nobody accompanied Professor Okonjo on the motorcycle to the palace and the rider was unknown.
Security at the palace was further
tightened on Friday as journalists were barred from talking to the
octogenarian. There are indications, however, that she may have
relocated to Abuja to have proper rest.
Meanwhile, Mrs Okonjo-Iweala has reacted to the release of her mother.
According to a statement by Paul
Nwabuiko, the Special Adviser to the minister, the queen’s release put
an end to what the release called “a very difficult period.”
The statement reads: “I can confirm that
Professor (Mrs) Kamene Okonjo, wife of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku,
Professor Chukuka Okonjo, and mother of the Coordinating Minister for
the Economy/Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was released
this morning, five days after her abduction.
“The Okonjo family is full of thanks to
the Almighty (God) for this happy development. The family is also highly
appreciative of the support and encouragement of President Goodluck
Jonathan; the country’s security services for their excellent
operations; governors Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Peter Obi of Anambra,
Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers and other governors as well other friends and
well wishers within and outside government, for their prayers and
encouragement during a very difficult period.”
There was also wild jubilation yesterday
at Obomkpa town in Aniocha Local Government Area of the state, when
news filtered in that Professor Kamene Okonjo had been released by her
abductors.
Obomkpa is the maternal home of the Finance Minister.
The traditional ruler of Obomkpa, Obi Jonathan Nsuebo II was visibly happy about the development.
The state Chairman of the state’s Local
Government Service Commission, Chief (Mrs) Patience Okwuofu, who hails
from Obomkpa, also expressed gratitude to God for the matriarch’s
freedom
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