Ekweremadu: Temper justice with mercy — Reps begs UK govt

The house of representatives has appealed to the UK government and parliament to temper justice with mercy in sentencing former deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, who were found guilty of organ harv£sting.

The lawmakers also called on the federal government to take diplomatic steps to intervene in the matter.

The resolution was passed at the plenary session on Tuesday, May 2, following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Toby Okechukwu, a lawmaker from Enugu state.

Following the adoption of the motion, the lawmakers asked the clerk of the lower legislative chamber to convey their resolutions in writing to the British embassy, the UK government and the parliament.

Ekweremadu is due to be sentenced on May 5 at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey.

Presenting the motion, Okechukwu said: “Senator Ike Ekweremadu acted within his limited knowledge of the UK laws and did write to the UK High Commission to support the medical visa application for the potential donor and did declare the purpose of the trip.

Senator Ekweremadu and Mrs. Beatrice acted under the natural instincts of parents to save an ailing daughter, and not for commercial purposes.

It is a common practice in international relations for nations, including the UK, to seek relief for their citizens involved in situations such as that of the Ekweremadus.

The House is also aware of the longstanding history and cordial ties between Nigeria and the UK.

The predicaments of Ekweremadu’s ailing daughter, who needs the financial support and parental love of her parents to scale through her dire health challenge. The Ekweremadus must have learnt their lessons.”