Michael Onwuka, Enugu
Kinsmen of Sen. Ike Ekweremadu have demanded that due process be followed in the investigation of the alleged ‘organ harvest’ charge proffered against him and his wife by British authorities.
The group under the auspices of Ikeoha Mpu Pacesetters League, made the call in a statement in Enugu by its Coordinating Chairman, Mr Chijioke Ezekwe.
Ezekwe also called on the Federal Government, African sub-regional institutions and the Igbo community to ensure that justice was done in the matter.
Recall that Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, were recently arrested by the Specialist Crime Team of the Metropolitan Police in London for alleged conspiracy to harvest the organ of a child.
The duo had been in custody since their arrest and subsequent charge to a London court, a situation which had elicited mixed reactions by Nigerians.
However, Ezekwe said the lawmaker who had shown uncommon empathy to the less privileged needed not to be vilified but given benefit of doubt.
He expressed concern over the social media attack, trials, blames and hasty judgment on the lawmaker and his family.
“We, therefore, pray that at this point, Nigerians should wear their thinking cap to discern the intentions of a caring parent for his dying daughter.
“We should not forget in a hurry Ekweremadu’s track records in socio-political cum cultural development of the African sub-region.
“A man with little faults, who co-exists freely with friends, foes and oppositions to make sure that positive results are achieved deserves a benefit of doubt in a moment like this,” he said.
The coordinating chairman said that he was optimistic that the outcome of the investigation would be favourable to the lawmaker and his wife due to their good intentions in the matter.
“We, therefore, call on the Federal Government, ECOWAS, African Union , Nigerian Senate, Igbo communities both home and in the diaspora to impress on the British authorities to ensure that due process is followed in carrying out their investigations on the case.
“We stand with Ekweremadu and his family and will remain so till the end of this case.
“May the Almighty God grant our daughter and sister Ms. Sonia Chinonso Ekweremadu divine healing,” Ezekwe said.
Ikengaonline reports that Ekweremadu represents Enugu West Senatorial District in the Red Chambers.
