Womens Economic Rights> UPDATE ON DEATH BY STONING IN NIGERIA

[Nogi Imoukhuede <nogiede@xxxxxxxxx>]

Dear networkers,

We are pleased to inform you that the sentence of Safiya Tungar Tudu has generated a great public outcry in Nigeria from individuals, human rights groups, women NGO's and even from top government officials.  Our petition was reported in the Punch of Monday October 29 2001.
The Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim who happens to be a lawyer has condemmed the court decision which sentenced Safiya to death for alleged adultery while acquitting her male partner as selective justice. 
The National Human Rights Commission which was set up by the Nigerian Government in line with UN resolutions has also promised to intervene in the matter and institute legal proceedings against the Sokoto State Government.  At the Nigerian Human Rights summit organised by the National Human Rights Commission ( NHRC) held in Abuja on the 1st of November 2001, a National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights was unfolded  in response to the recommendation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna Austria in 1993.  Under the democratic government of President Obasanjo the Human Rights Violation Investigation commission (HRVC) was also set up which has been investigating over 30 years  of human rights abuse during oppressive military rule in Nigeria.
Women's rights activist Mrs. Abiola Akiyode - Afolabi has initiated a" Safiya must not die" campaign,  according  to her, the Islamic law had failed to  to demarcate between morality and the law. She called on every state in Nigeria to respect the human dignity of every person.
Furthermore the Coordinator of the Women Department Project of  the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights Mrs Joke Adisa condemned the ruling in strong terms, particularly when the same court had set her accomplice free.The organisation called on  the Sokoto State Government and the general public to intervene to saving Safiya's child the misfortune of not enjoying parental love and care.
We are confident that with this huge public outcry Safiya will not be stoned to death, however the legal options available to challenge the validity of that law has to be taken.  Women's Rights Watch Legal Aid team are already preparing a legal brief and we will keep you informed when the action is filed.
Women's Rights Watch runs a free legal aid clinic for victims of gender persecution.  We have been innundated by many cases and our financial resources are being stretched to our limits. We request for assistance in our litigation department which involves drafting and filing of Writ of Summons, pleadings, travelling expenses defence of victims, holding watching briefs, media exposure and office administration. You will all agree with me that these activities are expensive.  We appreciate your contribution.
Thank you.

 Nogi  Imoukhuede.

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