The Nigerian Senate, together with other bodies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the House of Representatives, have appealed to the United Kingdom authorities to show clemency to former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, who await sentencing following their conviction in a UK court over an organ harvesting case.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan, speaking on behalf of the Senate, emphasized that the chamber is seeking clemency for Ekweremadu because it is the first time a member of the Senate has been involved in such a case. Lawan praised Ekweremadu's 12 years of service as Deputy Senate President and his contributions to the development of Parliaments in Africa and around the world.
He revealed that he had written a letter to the British Judicial Authorities seeking clemency on behalf of the Senate, and urged the authorities to consider tempering justice with mercy when it comes to sentencing Ekweremadu. Lawan stressed that while the conviction has already taken place, this is the first time Ekweremadu has been involved in such a situation, and appealed for a fair and merciful outcome.
The EFCC and members of the House of Representatives also echoed the call for clemency, with Lawan commending Senator Chukwuka Utazi for bringing the issue to the Senate's attention.
Overall, the Nigerian government is pleading with UK authorities to consider the circumstances of Ekweremadu's case and grant him and his wife clemency.
