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Ekiti Central Senator, Opeyemi Bamidele, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to initiate a diplomatic mission aimed at securing the release of Senator Ike Ekweremadu (PDP – Enugu) from prison in the United Kingdom. Bamidele made this plea during his remarks at the valedictory session for the outgoing senators of the 9th Senate.
In May, Ekweremadu, a former Deputy Senate President, was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison for organ trafficking. The sentencing took place at the Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, in the UK.
Expressing his sympathy for Ekweremadu, Bamidele, who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, highlighted that what happened to Ekweremadu could have befallen any parent.
Bamidele urged President Tinubu to employ all necessary diplomatic channels to secure the release of Ekweremadu, emphasizing the significance of the matter.
During his address, Bamidele also mourned the passing of four senators who had served their respective senatorial districts in the National Assembly. The deceased senators were identified as Sen. Bayo Osinowo (Lagos East), Sen. Rose Oko (Cross River North), Sen. Benjamin Uwajumogu (Imo North), and Sen. Ignatius Longjam (Plateau South).
Bamidele further extended his gratitude to the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, for providing him with the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters.
Acknowledging Lawan’s support, Bamidele emphasized the committee’s achievements during his tenure, including the passage of significant bills and the swift confirmation of key judicial appointments.
Bamidele commended President Tinubu for signing a bill concerning the retirement age of judges, which holds great importance for the Nigerian judiciary. He also highlighted the substantial increase in the judiciary’s budget under Lawan’s leadership, citing the figures of N95 billion in 2018, N110 billion in 2021, N120 billion in 2022, and N125 billion in 2023.
Concluding his address, Bamidele stressed that there is still work to be done and expressed confidence that the incoming Senate would build upon the progress achieved under Lawan’s stewardship.