News:
Former Speaker third Parliament ECOWAS
April 29, 2023
The Rt. Hon Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Dr. Sidie Mohamed Tunis has written to the Chief Clerk of the Central Criminal Court in the United Kingdom for leniency for the former Speaker in the third Parliament (2011 to 2015) Senator Ike Ekweremadu who later also served as First Deputy Speaker in the second legislature (2007 to 2011), over breach of UK laws relating to organ trafficking and modern slavery.
Ghanamps.com can reveal per the letter sighted written to the court three weeks ago on behalf of the parliament, that he is against the crime for which the senator and his spouse have been convicted same with the parliament.
“We do not support organ harvesting in anyway and by any method. Nevertheless, we believe that lessons have been learnt, not only by Ekweremadu, but by everybody. I wish to fervently appeal to the honorable court, on behalf of the ECOWAS Parliament, for leniency in meting out justice to the couple”.
He further added that he understands the position of the law, but only appealing for human face in this circumstance and justice should be tempered with mercy, considering his good behavior and contribution to the good of society, the less privileged, and democracy.
Dr. Tunis added that the former Speaker gives to charity work and experienced in lawmaking in Nigeria and internationally, could also be very useful to his nation and the international community in public enlightenment as well as legal reforms campaign on organ trafficking to curtail such incidents drawing from his personal experience.
Ghanamps.com can further reveal that former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H. E. Olusegun Obasanjo had early written to the court appealing for leniency.
Senator Ike Ekweremadu is highly appreciated in the sub-region for his sterling roles in the development of the Community Parliament in the preservation and stabilization of democracy. As First Deputy, he chaired the Parliaments Ad Hoc Committee on the political situation in Niger and the Republic of Guinea.
As his effort contributed in no small measure towards resolving the impasses in the two ECOWAS member states and visited almost every flashpoint, sometimes at his very personal expense.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com