Reps Write UK Government, Seek Clemency For Ekweremadu

The house of representatives has asked the UK government and parliament to intervene in the sentencing of Ike Ekweremadu and Beatrice, his wife.

The lawmakers asked the UK court, where the matter is being heard, to “temper justice and mercy” in the sentencing of the lawmaker. 

The legislators 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 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.

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While moving the motion, Okechukwu said Ekweremadu “acted within his limited knowledge”.

Okechukwu said although ignorance is not an excuse, the court should take into consideration that Ekweremadu has not been convicted before and has been a responsible citizen of Nigeria.

Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of representatives, said “it behoves on any government to plead for clemency when their citizens are in such a situation”.

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He said he has known Ekweremadu for years and that the lawmaker has been a patriotic citizen.

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Photo Credit: Getty