Group asks court to stop Yerima probe
Following the National Human Rights Commission’s petition to the
National Assembly over Ahmed Yerima’s alleged marriage to an under-aged
Egyptian girl, the Registered Trustees of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in
Nigeria has asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop the lawmakers from
taking any more steps in relation to the matter.
Through its counsel, Mohammed Sani Katu, the council is seeking
an order for the enforcement of Mr Yerima’s right to private and family life.
It claims that the commission’s petition amounts to an infringement of Mr
Yerima’s right to privacy and a violation of his right to practice his
religion, as guaranteed in the nation’s 1999 constitution and the 1983 African
Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
After weeks of playing hide-and-seek over allegations that Mr
Yerima married an Egyptian minor, the Senate recently ordered an investigation
into the matter.
However, the council wants both the House of Representatives and the
Senate’s investigations halted. It has asked that the court declare the acts
“an infringement of Mr Yerima, rights to privacy and religion.” The matter
could not go on before the judge, Adamu Bello, yesterday and was adjourned to
June 17, 2010 for hearing.
This is ridiculous. Sometimes I wonder why some people think with their anus instead of their head.Talking about right,what about the right of the poor, innocent, defenceless, voiceless and cliqueless minor who is being violated by “distinguished” Senator Yerima. Distinguished my foot. This unholy and shameful act of Yerima is a litmus test for our National Assembly who have pledged to defend the rights of the people. Posterity is watching.