Madam, – I write regarding the article by Bisi Adigun (Opinion, April 2nd). As a father of three daughters, I find the idea of female genital mutilation (FGM) appalling.
The suggestion that this is a traditional Nigerian belief and as such should not be condemned or described as barbaric is ridiculous.
We live in a free society and if there is even the slightest possibility that Pamela Izevbekhai’s children face the prospect of FMG by being forcefully returned to Nigeria then our judiciary and ultimately our Government have a moral duty to offer protection to these children.
I would suggest that Mr Adigun reads the article on page six of the The Irish Times, on April 2nd. It is very clear that the Nigerian government cannot provide the definite assurances or protection that these children deserve. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Much has been written about Pamela Izevbekhai and her struggle to remain in Ireland. Whatever else, it has helped to shed much needed light on the practice of female genital mutilation.
The article by Mr Adigun (April 2nd), is quite depressing for anyone who wants to see this primitive and shameful practice abolished. He says the criticism of what he calls female circumcision in the western media is judgmental, and, he says we need to be rational and enlighten those who practice it. He also tells us he feels western media criticism is “eurocentric” for labelling the practice barbaric.
FGM involves the mutilation of the sexual organs of young girls causing horrific pain and in many cases death.
If a clearly educated and articulate man like Mr Adigun can be so equivocal about this hideous and barbaric practice then it bodes ill for efforts to stamp it out. Mr Adigun should also know that many people feel perfectly rational, and well within their rights, to pass very severe judgment on any country, state or people that permit this practice to continue. – Yours, etc,