The Ohanaeze Ndigbo organization has made an appeal to the British government, urging them to consider reducing the prison sentence imposed on former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. Ekweremadu, along with his wife and a UK-based medical doctor named Obinna Obeta, was convicted on charges related to organ trafficking, leading to his imprisonment. The plea was expressed during a visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, to the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu. Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, speaking on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, highlighted the desire of the Igbo people to see Ekweremadu's jail term reduced. Chukwuma acknowledged Ekweremadu's involvement in the unfortunate incident, stating that he had sought to protect his daughter. While accepting the judgment, the plea was made for leniency in order to lessen the number of years Ekweremadu would spend in prison. Chukwuma emphasized the importance of addressing this matter as it concerned a prominent figure from the Igbo community. In addition to the plea for Ekweremadu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo's President General, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, called for the establishment of a British Visa office in the southeastern region, pointing out that a significant number of Nigerians traveling to the UK originate from that area. Iwuanyanwu also sought bilateral collaboration to promote economic growth and development in the southeast. He expressed concern over the prevailing insecurity, which led to the recent sit-at-home protest, and assured efforts were being made to address the issue. Iwuanyanwu highlighted Ohanaeze Ndigbo's focus on education and agriculture as means to engage and empower the region's youth and combat social challenges. The British High Commissioner, Montgomery, expressed his willingness to explore areas of mutual collaboration during his tour of the southeast, emphasizing the British government's support for peace and its recognition of the Igbo community's contributions to Nigeria's development.
