The Nigerian Senate has begged the United Kingdom authorities for clemency over the sentencing of its former deputy president, Ike Ekweremadu, and his wife.
According to the Senate, both Ekweremadu and his wife are first offenders, adding that in as much as it was not appealing the sentencing, that it was only asking for clemency.
Ekweremadu is due for sentencing in a day time following his conviction by a UK court over organ harvesting involving a 21-year-old David Nwamini Ukpo who is from Ebonyi State.
The Senate resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of privilege sponsored by Senator Chukwuka Utazi (PDP-Enugu) at plenary on Wednesday.
Utazi in his presentation told the Senate that although the sentencing of the Ekweremadus was shifted to May 6, there was the need for clemency, given the good standing account of Ekweremadu.
He said Ekweremadu, who is a former Deputy Senate President for 12 years, and former Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament, had made enormous contributions in the development of democracy in Nigeria, West Africa and beyond.
Utazi said: “Whereas they are seen as a first offenders and they do not have any previous criminal records, considering that Ekweremadu was ignorant of seeking out a kidney donor to come to the United Kingdom and even applying to the British Government in Abuja for a visa for the donor.
“Whereas the Senate is not happy with the conviction of the Ekweremadus’ and ignorance of the law is not an excuse , but they were faced with these circumstances in a bid to save their dying 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 since the matter was in the United Kingdom, that a novel approach in sentencing of the convicts be adopted by tempering justice with mercy, as the publicity already given to the trial was enough warning to the would-be offenders in the future.
“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.”
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, in his remarks said: “Distinguished Senator Ike 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 thing.
“Had we all known that this would be the case, certainly we would not have gone into that kind of situation.
“Because we are law abiding citizens and we respect our country and its laws and laws of other countries,” Lawan stated.
Leadership