Law & Crime

Woman Raises Alarm as Community Persecute Sister Over FGM

Published

2 years ago

September 15, 2022

By our correspondent

By woman, has raised alarm over the persecution of her sister Mrs. Sarah Oluwakemi Amawu-Charles on her stance against the circumcision of her twin daughters by Evbuobonosa community in Orhionwon Local government area of Edo state,

Speaking with our Correspondent on phone, Mrs. Olaiya Olutimenyi lamented how the community has caused the family of Mrs. Amawu-Charles untold hardship as she resists compliance with the act of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which is a common rite of passage for female children in the community.

According to her, the search for safety has caused her sister to flee and stay away from the community with her daughters and a son for a safe haven thereby causing a separation and anguish for the entire family.

Narrating the ordeal facing her sister, she said that at the birth of the twins, it was expected by tradition that the two girls must be circumcised but the mother in agreement with the husband refused to bow to the traditional rite of passage which they considered to be a health hazard for girls.

“Although the family had a reprieve for a while, the community was relentless in their demand and when the girls turned ten, the pressure became unbearable for the family and they had to flee and stay away to save their lives.” Mrs. Olutimenyi said.

Continuing, Mrs. Olutimenyi said that their family is experiencing severe challenges of living happily as one because of the stress caused by the separation of members.

Explaining that it is difficult for her to understand why such a barbaric, inhuman and harmful traditional practices are still promoted, Mrs. Olutimenyi said she feels that so many traditional institutions are not listening to the campaign to stop FGM.

Emphasisng that she is speaking in pains of someone who is experiencing the hazards of separation, she said she is calling for help from all who can offer it to ensure that the family can know the peace it has hitherto enjoyed.

“I know that a lot of communities find the transition from old practices very difficult. I can see that there is more work to be done in seeing to the safety of the girl child in this community where the belief of Mrs. Amawu-Charles has made her to be considered a strange woman and her life being endangered. But I am confident that there will come a time when this belief in FGM will become an issue in the dustbin of culture.

Then girls and their families who opposed the practice will find peace to live together.” She said.

Share on Facebook

Law & Crime

Lawyers, Bloggers, Others Dismiss Corruption Allegations Against FCT Chief Judge

Published

6 months ago

February 7, 2024

The Gleamer

…pass vote of confidence on Chief Judge Nigeria

Three non-profit organizations, Lawyers in Defence of Good Governance and Democracy, LIDOGG, Coalition of Civil Society Organizations of Nigeria, COCSON, and the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria, BAVCCA, Wednesday, declared allegations of corruption and nepotism leveled against the Chief Judge of he Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf as baseless.

The CSOs made their declaration during a press conference held in Abuja in light of the allegations raised in a recent audit report, where they also passed a vote of confidence on Justice Baba-Yusuf.

The Conveners of the group, Comrade Adewale Ogunnoiki, Barr. Caroline Bello and Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, expressed pain as and described the unnecessary attacks on the judiciary as unfortunate, whereby subjecting the judiciary to ridicule in the course of their duty, hence the judges are not allowed to defend themselves despite the alleged media attacks they receive.

It will be recalled that an online media according to them without a verifiable address made a publication on February 4, 2024, where it alleged that the Federal Court in Nigeria paid the sum of N1.5 billion for vehicle contracts without any evidence to support these transactions. The audit report suggested a lack of proper documentation and transparency in the process of awarding and executing these contracts.

Meanwhile, Comrade Adewale Ogunnoiki, cautioned that it is imperative to consider Justice Baba-Yusuf’s proven track records which are devoid of any corruption before making hasty judgments based on allegations alone.

He said: “We, as representatives of LIDOGG, BAVCCA COCSON, have conducted our investigations into these allegations to ensure that we present a fair and balanced perspective.

“After careful analysis of the available facts, we reiterate our vote of confidence on the Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory.”

Meanwhile, the groups highlighted Reasons for Vote of Confidence passed on Justice Baba-Yusuf; Integrity and Reputation: The Chief Judge has built a reputation for integrity, fairness, and professionalism throughout his career. It is crucial to consider this track record before making hasty judgments based on allegations alone.

“No Evidence: There is no evidence to back up this false and fabricated story. This is an unverified story concocted just to malign the integrity of the Chief Judge.

“Due Process: The legal system in Nigeria provides a framework for addressing allegations of misconduct. We encourage all parties involved to follow due process and allow investigations to take place unhindered.

“Commitment to Accountability: The Chief Judge has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability in the judiciary. It is essential to recognize and appreciate these efforts in ensuring an impartial justice system.”

He therefore urged all parties involved, including government agencies and the public, to allow a the Chief Judge to breathe and refrain from engaging in character assassination or spreading unverified information.

In a related development, the group also condemned the recent nepotism allegations leveled against the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, which according to them, Justice Ariwoola never influenced the National Judicial Council, NJC, into appointing his relatives, who are heading diverse positions across the judiciary bureaucracy.

“The propagators of this fake news are disgruntled element, who are hell bent at looking for a bad name to tarnish and discredit the reputation of the CJN.

“We therefore call on Nigerians to discard this cheap blackmail from persons who are out to defame Justice Ariwoola, who has positively transform the judiciary and reposition it for high productivity.

“He (Justice Ariwoola) has been able, through his proactive and pragmatic steps to improve the sanity and independence of the judiciary”, they said.

Meanwhile, the groups pointed out that even members of the Bench and Bar including the Judiciary staff have showered encomium on his sterling performance, since he took over the helm of affairs of the Judiciary in the country.

Share on Facebook