Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has revealed that his administration is working with relevant Nigerian authorities to facilitate the return of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu from the United Kingdom to Nigeria, where he could serve the remainder of his prison sentence.
Mbah disclosed this during an interview with BBC Igbo, explaining that the state government was exploring arrangements with Nigerian and British authorities to make the transfer possible.
The governor said his administration remained in contact with Ekweremadu and was appealing to the relevant authorities to consider allowing the former lawmaker to continue serving his sentence in Nigeria.
Ekweremadu was convicted in the UK for conspiring to facilitate the travel of a young man to Britain for the purpose of harvesting his kidney for his daughter, Sonia, who was suffering from a kidney condition.
Describing the circumstances surrounding the case as a tragedy, Mbah said the situation was one that could confront any parent dealing with a serious medical challenge involving their child.
He said: “What happened is a test. We are still in touch with him. We are among those who are asking the Nigerian authorities to find out how they and England can ensure that Ekweremadu stays in Nigeria to serve the full sentence if they want him to stay in prison. We hope that he will be released soon.”
Mbah also expressed sympathy for the former senator, arguing that the desperation parents may experience when trying to save their children during serious health crises could be difficult for others to understand.
According to the governor, the desire to protect a child during a medical emergency can place parents under immense emotional pressure.
“If you have never had a child of your own, you will never fully understand what a father will do to save or help his child during a time of health crisis,” he said.
