Calls for leniency for Ekweremadus grow as two parliaments – Nigeria’s House of Representatives and ECOWAS Parliament – join in.
Both parliaments issued independent but similar appeal to the UK authorities to have mercy on the Ekweremadus.
Senator Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice, and doctor, Obinna Obetta, are due for sentencing on Friday after conviction for organ harvesting.
A jury found the trio guilty of transporting a youngster from Nigeria to Britain to harvest his organ for Ekweremadu’s daughter.
The daughter, Sonia Ekweremadu, suffers from kidney failure. She was charged alongside her parents and lawyer but acquitted after trial.
All three pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Plea from House of Representatives
Yesterday, Nigeria’s lower parliament, the House of Representatives, pleaded with the British judiciary and UK government to temper justice with mercy.
The House also requested the Nigerian Government to use diplomatic leverage to deal with the travails of the couple.
House deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu), moved the motion for reprieve at the Plenary on Tuesday 2 May 2023.
It is common practice in international relations for nations to seek relief for citizens involved in situations such this, he said.
Okechukwu hoped the UK Court will consider the deep relations between the two countries and the growing calls for mercy. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was among the earlier voices heard calling for leniency.
Additionally, the intention of the Ekweremadus and the predicaments of their daughter should count for the couple he said.
“I do not know any living human being, who would ordinarily want to commit a crime and go and report himself. Justice must be done with the intendment of the person in mind. If the intention were to commit a crime, then he would not have reported himself by writing to the UK High Commission where he pleaded that the potential donor be given a medical visa.
“Senator Ekweremadu has never been convicted of any crime. As a matter of fact, he has come to the aid of Nigerians. On several occasions, his Foundation, the Ikeoha Foundation, has contributed towards the common good of Nigerians.
“It really hurts. So, I want to ask my honourable colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to bring the full weight of this parliament, both formerly and informally, and ask the British Government to remember the long-term relations we have had with them.
“Nigeria asks the British Government to do unto a serving Member of the Nigerian parliament, as they would wish Nigeria does unto them were the table to turn; that they should serve the cause of justice by showing some clemency, mindful of the intent,” Okechukwu stated.
Hon. Jomoh Abdul (APC, Lagos) seconded the motion, and insisted that Nigerian government should treat the matter “as a Nigerian problem.”
“I am a Yoruba man to the core. I am a Muslim. I am a patriot. Nigerians are one. This is not the problem of Ekweremadu, but rather the problem of this country because there is nowhere (that) they will mention Ekweremadu that they will not mention Nigeria.
“This is a man that is so committed to this country. What has happened is unfortunate in the sense that this offence was committed because of his daughter. And it can happen to any other person. So, we are calling on the British Government to be merciful on the Ekweremadus in this situation.
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos) made an impassioned speech yesterday while ruling on a House motion for clemency for the Ekweremadus.
Plea from ECOWAS Parliament
Similarly, the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) joined the call for mitigated sentence in a letter to the Court.
The Parliament based its plea for leniency on Ekweremadu’s “character, charity works, and service to the West African sub-region.” It also described Ekweremadu an asset to the region.
Parliament’s Speaker, Sidie Mohamed Tunis, endorsed a letter to the UK court pleading for clemency for Senator Ekweremadu.
He reasoned that it would be difficult for Sonia, the daughter, to survive under her health condition without the care and love of her parents.
He also said the long absence of the Senator, who is Deputy Speaker, was already affecting the work of the Parliament.
“I wish to state that it is a common feeling among parents, especially in Africa, not to bury or survive his or her child. As a father, therefore, I can easily relate with the pains and crossroads of the Senator and his wife over the health condition of their ailing daughter, who must still undergo a kidney transplant to stand a chance of surviving to fulfill her destiny.
“And who else could foot the bills better, and provide that morale support for the daughter? It remains Senator and Mrs. Ekweremadu. It is certain that Sonia cannot survive the absence of her parents in her present health condition,” he said.
He said the Ekweremadus have come to the rescue of many West Africans through their representatives at ECOWAS Parliament.
“Many Members of Parliament had the opportunity of attending the Annual Ikeoha Foundation Day where he, together with his wife, doled out full scholarships and bursary awards to indigent students to brighten their future, while equally empowering widows and the youth.”
The Speaker said he would not condone the crime for which Ekweremadu and his wife were convicted but begged the Court to temper justice with mercy.
“The Community Parliament stands against it. Nevertheless, we believe that lessons have been learnt, not only by Ekweremadu, but by everybody.
“I therefore wish to fervently appeal to the honourable court, on behalf of the ECOWAS Parliament, for leniency in meting out justice to the couple.
“We understand the position of the law, but only appeal that the honourable Court puts on a human face in this circumstance and temper justice with mercy, especially considering his good behaviour and contributions to the good of the society, the less privileged, and democracy,” he stated.
Hon. Tunis added that Ekweremadu being a philanthropist and experienced parliamentarian, locally and internationally, could also be particularly useful in public enlightenment and legal reforms against organ trafficking, drawing from his personal experience.
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