Ekweremadu: It is better to allow him to serve his term in the UK, where he was found guilty-Godsent

According to a report by the Punch on Sunday, November 16, 2025, regional leaders from Nigeria’s southeast have voiced contrasting opinions regarding the Federal Government’s efforts to transfer former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu from a United Kingdom prison to a Nigerian correctional facility. The divided perspectives highlight ongoing debates about the motivations and appropriateness of the proposed transfer for the convicted former lawmaker.

President of the Igbo National Council, Chilos Godsent, has expressed strong reservations about the initiative, questioning both the timing and underlying intentions behind the move. He suggested that political considerations related to the upcoming 2027 elections might be influencing the government’s sudden interest in Ekweremadu’s case after what he characterized as previous negligence during the legal proceedings in the UK.

Godsent articulated a clear preference for maintaining the current arrangement, stating: “It is better to allow him to serve his term in the UK, where he was found guilty.” This position reflects concerns about potential political manipulation and fears that Ekweremadu could face additional legal challenges or unfavorable conditions if transferred to the Nigerian prison system.

Other southeastern leaders have raised comparative questions about the government’s selective approach to high-profile cases, noting the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu despite ongoing calls for his release. This contrast has further fueled skepticism about the government’s consistency and motivations in handling matters affecting the Igbo community.

However, some prominent voices within the region have supported the transfer initiative. The Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has endorsed the move as genuine and commended President Tinubu’s administration for taking action, while the Abia State PDP Chairman has argued that the government’s actions should be evaluated based on their alignment with national interest rather than speculated political motives.

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