Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has written to the Clerk of the British Criminal Court over the recent conviction of former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and his wife.
In the letter, Obasanjo acknowledged the grave consequences of the offence leveled against the duo but stressed that the revered senator was a high level and respected citizen of Nigeria.
The former president also drew the attention of British Court to the plight of Ekweremadu’s sick daughter and his reputation to temper justice with mercy.
He said: “It is my fervent desire that for the very warm relationship between the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his position as one of the distinguished senators of the Nigerian Parliament, and also for the sake of their daughter in question whose current health condition is in danger and requires urgent medical attention, you will use your good offices to intervene and appeal to the court and the Government of the United kingdom To be magnanimous enough to temper Justice with mercy.
“And let punishment that may have to come take their good character and parental instincts and care into consideration.”
The former president further said: “I do hope that Mr and Mrs Ekweremadu have learnt from this distressing experience of theirs to guide their future actions and inactions; so, they will continue to be outstanding members of their community and will continue to contribute to the good of the society.”
It would be recalled that Ekweremadu and his wife an one Doctor Obetta were found guilty of “conspiracy to facilitate and arrange travel with the aim of exploitation,” by an Old Bailey jury and are currently awaiting formal sentencing slated for May 5.
