11th June, 2023
By Naomi Sharang
The Senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele has urged President Bola Tinubu to deploy diplomatic shuttle to ensure the release of Sen. Ike Ekweremadu (PDP -Enugu) in the United Kingdom’s prison.
He made the call in his remarks at the valedictory session for the outgoing senators of the 9th Senate.
Ekwremadu, a former Deputy Senate President was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison for organ trafficking in May.
The sentencing was done at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, UK.
Opeyemi who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters said what happened to Ekweremadu could have happened to any parent.
“My heart goes to that gentleman, distinguished Sen. Ike Ekweremadu,” he said.
He called on Tinubu to deploy all the necessary diplomatic means for the release of Ekwremadu.
Bamidele also mourned four senators who died while serving the people of their senatorial districts in the National Assembly.
They include Sen. Bayo Osinowo (Lagos East), Sen. Rose Oko (Cross River North), Sen. Benjamin Uwajumogu (Imo North) and Sen. Ignatius Longjam (Plateau South).
He further appreciated the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, for the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the committee on judiciary human rights and legal matters.
“On behalf of all of us in the committee, it was a wonderful opportunity you gave us to add value.
“Under your watch, our committee participated in the passage of very important bills.
“Our committee was also responsible for the speedy confirmation of two Chief Justices of Nigeria and President Court of Appeal and five other Chief Judges of different courts in this country.
“Nigeria’s story is not going to be the same under the new administration and I call on all of us to continue to work.
“President Tinubu signed a bill that is important to us on the retirement age of our judges.
“Under your watch, the budget of the judiciary was increased geometrically from N95 billion in 2018; N110 billion in 2021; N120 billion in 2022 and 125 billion in 2023.
“It is not yet Uhuru. I know the incoming senate will also do more from where you are living this baton,” Bamidele said.