Bamidele begs Tinubu to assist in Ekweremadu’s release

Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central in the Senate, has pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to send a diplomatic shuttle to the United Kingdom in an effort to secure the release of Sen. Ike Ekweremadu (PDP – Enugu), who is currently serving time there.

During his remarks at the valedictory session for the senators who will not be returning for the 9th Senate term, he made the call.

In the month of May, Recalled Ekwremadu, a former Deputy Senate President, was found guilty of organ trafficking and given a sentence of nine years and eight months in prison.

The sentencing took place in the Central Criminal Court, which is located in the Old Bailey in the UK.

What happened to Ekweremadu is something that could have happened to any parent, according to Opeyemi, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters.

“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to that gentleman and distinguished Sen. Ike Ekweremadu,” he said.

He issued a call to Tinubu, requesting that Tinubu use any and all diplomatic means available to secure Ekwremadu’s release.

In addition, Bamidele expressed her sorrow over the passing of four senators who had passed away while representing the people of their senatorial districts in the National Assembly.

Among them are Senators Bayo Osinowo (representing Lagos East), Rose Oko (representing Cross River North), Benjamin Uwajumogu (representing Imo North), and Ignatius Longjam (representing Plateau South).

In addition, he expressed his gratitude to Ahmed Lawan, the President of the Senate, for providing him with the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the committee on the judiciary, human rights, and legal issues.

“On behalf of the entire committee, I would like to thank you for the wonderful opportunity you gave us to contribute value.

“Under your leadership, our committee was active in the passage of several bills that were of critical importance.

“In addition, our committee was accountable for the prompt confirmation of two Chief Justices of Nigeria, the President of the Court of Appeal, and five other Chief Judges of various courts in this country,”

“Under the new administration, Nigeria’s story is not going to be the same, and I call on all of us to keep working,” President Buhari said in a statement.

“Regarding the retirement age of our judges, President Tinubu gave his signature to a bill that is very significant to us.

“The budget of the judiciary has been increased by a factor of three under your watch, going from 95 billion in 2018 to 110 billion in 2021, 120 billion in 2022, and 125 billion in 2023.

“Uhuru has not yet arrived. I am confident that the incoming senate will also make more progress from the location from which you are passing this baton.