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Social critic and activist, Mahdi Shehu, has claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's abrupt decision to facilitate the release of former Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu from a UK prison is politically motivated and linked to the upcoming 2027 general elections.
In a post shared on his official X account on Tuesday, Shehu asserted that Tinubu's recent choice to establish a high-powered committee to engage with the United Kingdom government regarding Ekweremadu's imprisonment was not motivated by compassion but rather by political strategy.
He pointed out that the President seemed to have suddenly awakened from his diplomatic slumber and recalled Ekweremadu, who has been incarcerated since his conviction in 2023 for organ trafficking.
Shehu emphasized that Tinubu's decision came despite Nigeria currently lacking a substantive ambassador to the UK, who could have managed the situation more effectively through standard diplomatic channels.
“The UK justice system is nearly foolproof. The opportunity to address the Ekweremadu situation was lost a long time ago.”
He further elaborated that the only viable option left for Nigeria is to consider a prisoner transfer agreement if such a treaty exists and has been enacted between both nations.
In his opinion, Tinubu's actions are not a humanitarian gesture but a calculated political move.
“In my view, Tinubu is using this extravagant trip to demonstrate that he cares and is concerned because the election is approaching, and Ekweremadu is the only prominent Ndi-Igbo figure not on 'THE TRAIN' from Bombay to Goa. With him on board, the Ndi-Igbo will finally be captured.”
“Other Nigerians convicted or detained in various prisons around the world will never receive the same attention as Ekweremadu because even if they are released, they hold no political value to Tinubu. Such is the clear miscalculation.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Mahdi Shehu believe Tinubu's actions are politically motivated?
Shehu argues that Tinubu's decision to intervene in Ekweremadu's case is linked to the upcoming elections and serves as a political strategy rather than a genuine humanitarian effort.
What does Shehu suggest about Nigeria's diplomatic representation in the UK?
Shehu points out that Nigeria currently lacks a substantive ambassador in the UK, which could have allowed for more effective handling of Ekweremadu's situation through traditional diplomatic channels.
