Moving the motion, Mr Okechukwu, who is a close ally of Mr Ekweremadu, said there is a need for clemency based on public service.
He noted that the House must take “Cognizant 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.” Mr Okechukwu added 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.”
Speaking in support of the motion, Jide Jimoh , said Mr Ekweremadu has served the nation meritoriously, hence, the country should come to his aid.“It is only God that is merciful. We are calling on the UK government to be merciful in this situation to ensure the lawmaker is not jailed,” he said.Before ruling on the motion, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said the charges against Mr Ekweremadu are a departure from the character of the man he has known for 24 years.
“It was a terrible shock. It is a far departure from the character of a man I have known for 24 years,” he said.