The Senate has pleaded with the United Kingdom to show mercy for former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and his Beatrice, who are due for sentencing on May 5
The Senate’s decision followed a motion of privilege by Senator Chukwuma Utazi (PDP, Enugu) during Wednesday’s plenary.
In his motion, the Senator argued that the Ekweremadus are deserving of clemency in view of his good character and reputation.
He recalled that Ekweremadu, a former Deputy Senate President for 12 years and former Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, made serious contributions to the development of democracy in the country, the African continent and the world.
He said that while Ekweremadu might have broken the law out of ignorance, he was desperate to save his sick daughter, Sonia.
He pleaded that Ekweremadu should enjoy clemency in view of his the long years of cordial relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
He stressed that the publicity given to the trial was enough deterrent for others to venture into such an act,
“Whereas the Senate is not happy with the conviction of the Ekweremadus’ though, ignorance of the law is not an excuse, but Modu was desperate to save his ailing daughter, Sonia.
“This Senate is not in any way appealing to the conviction of the Ekweremadus’ nevertheless it is joining them in their plea by asking for clemency in the coming sentencing two days away.
“That clemency may be extended to the Ekweremadus’ considering that all of the convicts are first offenders.
“That considering the long history of good relationship existing between Nigeria and the British government and considering that this is the first time that the Senate is making this kind of plea on the British government to yield to our request for clemency for the Ekweremadus’ in their sentencing.”
In his remarks, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, described what happened to Ekweremadu as unfortunate.
He said that Ekweremadu, “a colleague, a patriot, a leader, a great leader, a very peaceful man is getting involved in this kind of saga,”
He said that he had written on behalf of the Senate to the UK authorities three weeks ago to seek mercy for the embattled senator.
“Distinguished Senator Ekweremadu served for 12 years as Deputy Senate President and he put in so much effort to the development of the Parliament across Africa, and in the world.
“He was not found wanting and so what has happened is very unfortunate.
“I have written a letter to the British judicial authorities about three weeks ago on behalf of the Senate seeking clemency, given the history of Senator Ekweremadu.
“We are now using this particular intervention, to seek for clemency in the sentencing. The conviction has been done, but we are seeking clemency because this is the first time.
“Our colleague, a patriot, a leader, a great leader, a very peaceful man is getting involved in this kind of saga,” Lawan stated.
The Ekweremadus are convicted for conspiracy to arrange the travel of a 21 year old from Nigeria with with intent to harvest one of his kidneys for their daughter, Sonia, who is down with kidney failure
Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice and Dr Obinna Obeta, were convicted in March 23 and are to be given prison terms on May 5.
The former Deputy Senate President, 60, his wife 56, and Obeta 50, were convicted for organ trafficking by a UK Court under the Modern Slavery Act for the first time.
The Judge, Justice Jeremy Johnson of the Old Bailey Court will pass pass a sentence on the trio on May 5.