A chara, How can Edwin E. Edobor (June 4th) say that there is "no persecution of any nature" in Nigeria? Such a statement cannot go unchallenged. The climate of terror and repression in Nigeria is well documented, and sadly it is no surprise that asylum seekers from Nigeria seek refuge from the torment in their homeland.
The government of General Sani Abacha has presided over a devastating increase in human rights violations, and allowed widespread impunity for the perpetrators of such crimes. The case of Ken Saro Wiwa and his eight Ogoni colleagues, who were hanged 18 months ago, highlights the blatant disregard for justice in Nigeria. Nineteen Ogoni prisoners remain in detention and are reported to be in poor health and suffering from malnutrition.
Moshood Abiola, the winner of the 1993 presidential elections, is being held in long term incommunicado detention without trial. There are widespread reports of torture, cruel and degrading treatment in Nigerian detention centres. The use of the death penalty without any appeal process for crimes such as robbery is all too common. The number of unexplained deaths in custody, particularly in the Rivers State area, is further cause for grave concern.
I would challenge Mr Edobor to think seriously about these facts and to ask himself a number of questions. Why did the UN Secretary General send a high level mission to Nigeria in 1996? Why is there an unprecedented international outcry against oppression in Nigeria? Why are human rights organisations reporting abuses in Nigeria on a tragically regular basis? The answer, contrary to the assertion in Mr Edobor's letter, is because not all Nigerians are happy people! - Is mise le meas,
Douglas,
Cork.