Less than 24 hours to the pronouncement of sentence by the United Kingdom court against the former Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, his wife Beatrice and Dr Obinna Obeta, members of the Ikeoha Mpu Pacesetters League, IMPL, have joined their voices in begging the UK Court for clemency unconditionally.
Ekweremadu is from Mpu in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Recall that the Nigerian Senate, House of Representatives, ECOWAS Parliament, prominent serving and past leaders such as the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, among others have written the UK Court asking for mercy on the Ekweremadus.
IMPL, an assembly of individuals, numbering over 500, who were empowered by Senator Ekweremadu through sponsorship of their education and securing of jobs in different spheres of life, described him as a good man.
The President-General of the Association, Engr. Chijioke Benjamin Ezekwe told journalists in Enugu that the conviction of Senator Ekweremadu and wife based on certain mistakes made in trying to save their ailing daughter does not in anyway represent their true character.
Ezekwe, who also disclosed that he was among the thousands of people that benefited from Ikeoha Foundation Education Scheme of the Senator, said his contributions to humanity and development of Africa at large should be considered by the UK Government.
The IMPL President maintained that the calls for mercy on the Ekweremadus which are coming from every quarter in Africa and the globe were enough testimonies that Ike Ekweremadu remained a role model for generations to come.
He said, “it is rather ironical to believe that the same man that had denied himself comfort to train many indigent persons both in his community and beyond, built roads and schools, created employment opportunities, sponsored so many life changing bills at the National Assembly and served African Continent meritoriously as Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the Parliament of ECOWAS, including other global assignments will intentionally commit such a crime.
“But since they have been pronounced guilty, all we are pleading is for mercy. Like the Biblical Docars, Senator Ekweremadu and wife were like god to many.
“For the sake of our sister Sonnia who is still battling with life threatening ailment, they should be released unconditionally to reunite with their family and loved ones.”
“We commend all those that have voiced out their hearts in testimonies of whom the Ekweremadus are.
“We shall all intensify our prayers, for the darkest hours of the night is closer to morning”, he concluded.