Special Adviser on Media to the Coordinating Minister, Paul Nwabuikwu, said the wife of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Chukuka Okonjo, was released Friday morning, five days after she was abducted from their palace.
“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 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. May God bless you all,” Mr
Nwabuikwu said in the statement.
He did not offer any further explanation on how her release was
secured, nor how much ransom was paid. Prior to the release,
speculations were rife that Mrs Okonjo’s abductors had made various
demands, including an initial demand for the payment of about N1billion,
which later reportedly reduced to N200 million, claims the police said
they were not aware.
It was also reported yesterday that the abductors later reviewed
their catalog of demands to include a call for the immediate resignation
of the Minister from office, apparently because of her principled
stance on the issue of the investigation of petroleum subsidy payments
to marketers, which has attracted a lot of acrimonious attacks from some
affected persons.
Meanwhile, Charles Mukah, the spokesman of the police in Delta State
said the command is not aware of the release of the minister’s mom.
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