IKE EKWEREMADU: Serial senator who fell from grace to grass

Ike Ekweremadu rose from obscurity to a towering height in Nigeria’s politics. In this report on EX-NASS MEMBERS SERIES, Esther Adedoyin chronicles his fall from grace to grass

Ike Ekweremadu is a renowned politician and lawyer who, until recently, has been active in the country’s political landscape for several decades. Born on May 12, 1962, in Enugu State, Nigeria, Ekweremadu remained a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) throughout his political sojourn.

He is best known for his role as the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate, a position he held for three consecutive terms from 2007 to 2019. During his time in the Senate, Ekweremadu represented the Enugu West Senatorial District.

His political career began in the late 1990s when he served as the secretary of the PDP in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. He later became the Chairman of the party in the same local government area.

In 2003, Ekweremadu was elected to the Nigerian Senate for the first time, representing the Enugu West Senatorial District. He was re-elected in 2007, 2011, and 2015, maintaining his position as the Deputy President of the Senate throughout these terms. His attempt at a fourth term as the number two senator in the upper legislative house failed as he lost the election to Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege from Delta State.

As Deputy President of the Senate, Ekweremadu played a significant role in Nigeria’s legislative process, formulating and enacting laws and policies. He also represented the Senate at various national and international forums and events, contributing to Nigeria’s overall diplomatic relations and legislative diplomacy.

Throughout his political career, Ekweremadu has been involved in efforts to promote good governance, the rule of law, and democracy in Nigeria. He has advocated for constitutional reforms, electoral reforms, and the protection of human rights.

Outside of politics, Ekweremadu is a lawyer by profession and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He has also served in various capacities within the legal profession, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s legal system.

Things took a swift turn downhill for the senator when he and his wife Beatrice were arrested in London and charged with conspiring to bring a child into the UK with the aim of harvesting his organs. An investigation of the crime went on for about 11 months from when the Metropolitan Police were informed of potential violations of modern slavery legislation. Ekweremadu was tried, convicted and jailed for nine and eight months, while his wife was sentenced to four years and six months imprisonment.

His influence and celebrity status quickly diminished after his arrest, conviction and sentencing. He has since disappeared from the political space in Nigeria.