Reps plead for leniency for Ekweremadu

The House of Representatives has appealed for leniency from the UK government over the sentencing of former deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu for organ harvesting.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Toby Okechukwu (PDP-Enugu) at plenary in Abuja on Tuesday titled ”Need for Clemency for Sen Ike Ekweremadu”.

Presenting the motion, Okechukwu said Ekweremadu acted based on his limited knowledge of the UK laws, stressing that he must have learnt the bitter lessons.

“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.

“Ekweremadu and his wife acted under the natural instincts of parents to save an ailing daughter, and not for commercial purposes,” he said.

He said it was 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.

“I want to ask my honourable colleagues, Mr Speaker, to bring the full weight of this parliament, both formally and informally and ask the British Government to remember the long-term relations we have had with them,” he said.

In his remarks, speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila said Ekweremadu could still find justice before God and man, pleading with the UK government to consider the noble acts of Ekweremadu and temper justice with mercy.