…to probe production, distribution of international passport
The House of Representatives has resolved to seek clemency for former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice who have been convicted by the Central Criminal Court, London, the United Kingdom (UK) for offences relating to the breach of the novel Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Consequently, the speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila directed the Clerk of the House to convey the parliament’s plea to the British Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the British Courts and Authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Consulate in Britain and the British Parliament today.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by the deputy minority leader, Toby Okechukwu at plenary on Tuesday.
Moving the motion, Okechukwu said the sentencing of couple is scheduled for May 5, noting that Ekweremadu acted within his limited knowledge of the UK laws and did write to the UK High Commission to support the medical visa application for the potential and did declare the purpose of the trip.
“Cognisant of the fact that Senator Ekweremadu and Mrs. Beatrice acted under the natural instincts of parents to save an ailing daughter, and not for commercial purposes.
“Aware that it is 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. Also aware of the longstanding history and cordial ties between Nigeria and the UK.
“Cognisant that elder statesmen such as former Military Head of State and President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, have made a passionate plea for clemency, testifying also to Senator Ekweremadu’s character as a patriot, god-fearing, progressive citizen, who has served Nigeria and West Africa as former three-term Deputy President of the Senate as well as Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
“Aware that several Nigerian national dailies have also joined the call for clemency for the Ekweremadus through their editorials. cognisant of the predicaments of Ekweremadu’s ailing daughter, who needs the financial support and parental love of her parents to scale through her dire health challenge.
Aware that the Ekweremadus must have learnt their lessons,” he stated.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Central Criminal Court, UK and the government of the UK to temper justice with mercy in sentencing Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu.
It also urged the Federal government of Nigeria to take all diplomatic steps and other necessary interventions regarding the travails of the Ekwermadu’s family.
Also at the plenary, the adopted a motion by Mohammed Alkali from Plateau State on need to investigate the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service on the process of producing and dispensing the Nigerian International passport
Alkali presenting the motion stated that the need for the investigation was due to the fact that monies had been disbursed to the Nigerian Immigration Service for the production of these smart passports and it is yet to fully comply.
He stated that there is also some infringements in the award process of the printing of the passports to a single hand-picked company which is contrary to the procedure of fairness, equity and transparency.
Alkali called on the Nigerian Immigration Service to suspend the contract and that an Ad-Hoc committee should be set up to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the contract process.