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Ekweremadu: House of Reps, ECOWAS Parliament beg for clemency

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• House urges FG to intervene

 • He’s a regional asset – ECOWAS Parliament

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has begged the British judiciary and government to temper justice with mercy as the Central Criminal Court, London, prepares to sentence a former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; his wife, Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu; and a United Kingdom (UK)-based Nigerian medical practitioner, Dr. Obinna Obeta on May 5.

It has also urged the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to “take all diplomatic steps and other necessary interventions regarding the travails of the Ekwermadu’s family”.

This is even as the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Parliament, has equally joined the growing call for clemency for the Ekweremadus, as it wrote the Court to show leniency, putting Ekweremadu’s character, charity works, and service to the West African sub-region into consideration.

This was sequel to a motion by the Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and Member representing Ekweremadu’s Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, at the House plenary on Tuesday.

Moving the motion, Okechukwu 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”.

Recalling the longstanding history and cordial ties between Nigeria and the UK and the pleas for mercy for the Ekweremadus by eminent Nigerians such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the lawmaker urged the UK Government to take cognisance of both the intention of the Ekweremadus and the predicaments of their ailing daughter, who still needed the financial support and parental love of her parents to survive.

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“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.

Seconding the motion, Member representing Lagos Mainland Federal Constituency, Hon. Jomoh Abdul, urged the Nigerian government to 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 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.

Summing up the debate, the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who clarified that the House was not intent on absolving the Ekweremadus, “but to plead for clemency”.

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“It behoves any government of any country, wherever their citizens are distressed or found in situations such as this, that their government should intervene, not in the bid to establish their innocence, but in the bid to plead for clemency. Nations have done it times without number, even advanced democracies in the world.

“And for that reason, I will on behalf of the House of Representatives, also speak to the British Government and Judicial system. For as long as I have known Senator Ike Ekweremadu, he has been brilliant lawyer, a distinguished public servant, and a dedicated family man. Over the course of two decades of shared service in the national legislature, he has become a dear friend and trusted colleague.

“For these reasons, his arrest by authorities in the United Kingdom on charges of conspiring to arrange the travel of another Nigerian citizen to harvest his organs was a terrible shock. These revelations are a far departure from the character of the man as I have known him and fall far short of the standards of behaviour expected from a person of his standing.

“For twenty-four years since the return to democratic governance in Nigeria, Ike Ekweremadu has served the people of his community, his state and his country with vigour and dedication. For most of that time, he has been a member of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He has used this office to advance the cause of democracy, champion critical reforms and advocate for the development of his constituency.

“Through his Ikeoha Foundation, he and his wife have helped provide access to quality education and healthcare for thousands of people in his community and his state. Their public service and private philanthropy have helped improve the social, economic and political fortunes of their communities and aided the personal and professional progress of many.

“None of this suggests that either Ike Ekweremadu or his wife should be above the law or held to a different standard than any other citizen. I recount these things to present a whole perspective so that in this moment of consequence, the judgment of the court may take into consideration the Ekweremadu’s history of honourable living and distinguished service, their contributions to a better world and the possibility that, given a chance, through the penitence of service, both Ike and his wife can yet atone for their failings and find forgiveness before God and man.

“I am confident that Ike Ekweremadu and his wife have learned from their recent experiences and will be guided by their better angels for the rest of their days. If nothing else, for the sake of their ailing daughter, Sonia, let mercy temper justice for this family”, the Speaker pleaded.

He’s a regional asset, daughter can’t survive without them – ECOWAS Parliament

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Meanwhile, in his letter to the Court signed by the Speaker of the regional legislative body, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, the ECOWAS Parliament, while pleading for clemency for the Ekweremadus, said it would be difficult for the daughter, Sonia, to survive under her health condition without the care and love of her parents, adding also that he long absence was already affecting 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 also provide that morale support for the daughter? It still 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 testified that Ekweremadu’s philanthropic gestures had come to the rescue of many West Africans through their representatives at ECOWAS Parliament, adding also that “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”.

While not condoning the crime for which Ekweremadu and wife were convicted, the ECOWAS Speaker, however, 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 I 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.

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Hon. Tunis added that Ekweremadu being a philanthropist and experienced parliamentarian, locally and internationally, could also be very useful in public enlightenment and legal reforms against organ trafficking, drawing from his personal experience.

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Nnamdi Kanu challenges court’s jurisdiction as Justice Nyako adjourns case indefinitely

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The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, questioned the jurisdiction of the court over his alleged terrorism case when he re-appeared before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court for the resumed hearing of his protracted case.

Despite Kanu’s insistence that Justice Nyako has no jurisdiction over his case, the judge adjourned the matter indefinitely.

Kanu was brought into Nigeria in June 2021 and has since been detained and tried for alleged terrorism. His trial was stalled after Justice Nyako recused herself from the case following an oral application by the defendant on September 24, 2024.

The IPOB leader had directly told the judge that he no longer had confidence in her handling of his trial.

However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, reverted the file to Nyako on the ground that Kanu’s application must be brought formally before the court through a motion on notice.

Consequently, in a letter dated December 5, 2024, addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar, Adegboyega Awomolo, the prosecution counsel, asked the court to fix a date for the commencement of the trial.

Opposing the request for a trial date, the defence counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, in a letter dated December 9, 2024 said the ruling of the judge recusing herself remained valid.

Subsequently, Ejimakor asked that the case be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no judge in Abuja is willing to preside over it. His prayer, however, did not see the light of day.

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At the resumed hearing on Monday, February 10, 2025, Justice Nyako said the chief judge had not accepted her recusal and had referred the case back to her.

She asked the defence team led by Ejimakor to come up with a written application if they still insist on the recusal.

Earlier, the Prosecution counsel led by Adegboyega Awomolo, said they were ready for the commencement of trial as his witnesses were ready.

Poor knowledge of Court affecting Nigeria – Kanu

Addressing the court, a furious Kanu questioned why he was brought before Justice Nyako. He said all that the judge said was meaningless to him. He said he does not recognise the authority of the court presided by Justice Nyako over him.

The IPOB leader said he was only in court because of the respect he has for the rule of law, adding that the judge had previously recused herself from the case.

Kanu said he was not happy with the decision of the chief judge who returned the case to Justice Nyako, insisting that the prosecution cannot prosecute him.

The IPOB leader insisted that Justice Nyako is biased over his case and should not preside over his case. He said poor knowledge of the court is affecting Nigeria.

The prosecution counsel took an objection to Kanu’s remarks and asked for a definite date for hearing since the prosecution has refused to file a written application. Awomolo said it was not right for Kanu to insult the court.

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Despite Kanu’s objection, Justice Nyako adjourned his case indefinitely. (CHANNELSTV)

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Supreme Court dismisses Fubara’s appeal against Amaewhule-led Rivers assembly

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Rivers: PDP kicks as Fubara defends Tinubu over peace deal
Gov-Siminialayi-Fubara
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Justice Uwani Abba-Aji-led five-man panel of Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal filed by the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, challenging the leadership of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and led by Martin Amaewhule.

Justice Uwani Abba-Aji while dismissing the appeal awarded a cost of two million naira against the governor payable to the Rivers State House of Assembly as the first respondent and Martin Amaewhule as the second respondent.

The dismissal of the appeal by Fubara was hinged on the withdrawal of the suit by his counsel, Yusuf Ali, CHANNELS TV reports.

Governor Fubara, had earlier officially withdrawn his appeal against the Court of Appeal’s ruling, which nullified the 2024 state budget.

The announcement was made on Monday by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Governor Fubara initially presented the 2024 budget to the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Edison Ehie in December 2023. However, on October 10, 2024, the Appeal Court in Abuja upheld a previous Federal High Court ruling from January 22, 2024, which declared the budget’s passage illegal.

The legal dispute arose after pro-Wike lawmakers, led by Martins Amaewhule, challenged the budget in court, arguing that it was not properly passed through the legally recognized Assembly.

Tensions between Fubara and his former political ally, Wike, have escalated, with the rift reportedly centered on control over the state’s political structures.

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In a social media post on Monday, Olayinka stated that Fubara’s decision to withdraw the appeal was an admission of wrongdoing.

He wrote: “Governor Fubara of Rivers State has withdrawn his appeal No. SC/CV/1071/2024 against the Appeal Court judgment declaring the 2024 Budget of the State illegal and ordering him to present the budget to the House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule.

The Appeal Court had upheld the ruling of Justice J. K. Omotosho in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/1613/2023, which directed the governor to re-present the budget to the Assembly under Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule.

By withdrawing the appeal, Governor Fubara has effectively accepted both the lower and appellate courts’ decisions, which deemed the initial budget presentation to three lawmakers as unlawful.”

As of the time of this report, Governor Fubara’s camp has yet to issue an official statement regarding the development.

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How I sacked my daughter over lateness — Obasanjo

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We lost election in Ogun for refusing to bribe INEC, Police – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
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Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he sacked his daughter from his farm due to lateness. He explained that the incident sent a strong message to his employees, saying, “If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?”

Obasanjo made this disclosure while hosting the new Chairman of the Board of Management of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr. Dayo Israel, at his Penthouse residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library complex in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The former president advised Dr. Israel to brace himself for challenges and be willing to step on toes if necessary to ensure a successful tenure. He emphasized that no effective leader can achieve success without stepping on toes.

“Shortly after I left office as Head of State, my first daughter, who was then studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ibadan, joined my farm for practical experience during a long vacation. On her first day, she arrived at 7:15 a.m. instead of the usual 7:00 a.m. I warned her about the need to set a good example for other workers.

“To my amazement, she was late again the following day. I did not hesitate to send her back right from the gate. This had a significant impact on my employees, who said, ‘If Baba could do this to his daughter, who are we?’”

Obasanjo encouraged Dr. Israel to be just, fair, and humane even when it became necessary to step on toes. He also commended the Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, for his remarkable achievements over the past seven and a half years.

Earlier, Dr. Israel described Obasanjo as an international figure full of wisdom and wit, saying,

“Meeting Baba Obasanjo is always so much fun. His wisdom and experience are invaluable as we begin this journey of transformation at FMC Abeokuta.”

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The chairman pledged to support the hospital management in transforming FMC Abeokuta into a world-class health institution. He highlighted his priority of moving the hospital away from the national grid to renewable energy and emphasized openness to partnerships.

During his familiarization visits, Dr. Israel also met with the royal fathers of Alake, Osile, and Olowu, who blessed and prayed for his successful tenure. He also visited the former Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. John Ade Abolurin. (Vanguard)

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