The news of the barbaric killing of Deborah Samuel Yakubu, a female 200 Level Home Economics student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Sokoto State, allegedly by Muslim student colleagues of hers and some irate youths, for blasphemy allegedly committed by her through WhatsApp communication with her course mates is so unbelievable, shocking and has left us speechless. It’s unfathomable, needless and callous.This is the height of man’s inhumanity to man and the intolerable height of insecurity in Nigeria.
No one has the right to take anybody’s life. The right to life is sacrosanct and must not be tampered with for any reason whatsoever. This action is in gross violation of the right to life of Deborah guaranteed by the highest law of the land- (The SUPREME LAW in Nigeria) the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), See section 33 (1)
“Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria”
Highly worrisome is the fact that the alleged perpetrators are students of a higher institution who ought to know better. This portends grave danger for Nigerians and must be nipped in the bud
The Government both at the State and Federal has a primary and paramount duty and responsibility to secure the lives of every Nigerian – see section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution:
“The security and welfare of the people
Shall be the primary purpose of
government “
The barbaric killing of Deborah is evidence of failure of the security apparatus of Nigeria. What then is the institution’s Security duty and where they were when this was happening? This is the height of insecurity- to imagine that our children are not safe anywhere in our own country. This is traumatic and breaking for Nigerians.
The Constitution is supreme and binding on all persons in Nigeria and any law contrary to any of the provisions of the Constitution will to the extent of that Inconsistency be declared⁸ null and void of no effect whatsoever see section 1(1) and section 1 (3)
Same right is guaranteed by UDHR, African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and other international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.
We at AWLA condemn this illegal and dastardly act and demand JUSTICE FOR DEBORAH SAMUEL YAKUBU, COMPENSATION for her family and her IMMORTALIZATION within the premises of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
We hereby call on the Nigerian Police Force to arrest all the perpetrators, carry out a thorough investigation of this case and charge the perpetrators to court without delay. No stone must be left unturned. We also call on the Chief Justice to ensure that this matter is handled expeditiously. Justice must be served. THE LAW MUST RULE
We commend the Sultanate for its outright condemnation of this barbaric and cruel act and its appeal to law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice in the spirit of tolerance and justice.
INJUSTICE TO ONE IS INJUSTICE TO ALL.
We urge all religious leaders of various faiths to go the extra mile in their duty to educate their followers on the need to be tolerant and to follow legal processes for the enforcement of their rights that are infringed in cognisance of their tremendous influence and ability to guide adherents of different faiths in Nigeria. We also urge institutions of learning to teach TOLERANCE and make it a mandatory credit course and to give security matters paramount consideration
We send our heartfelt condolences to the parents, family members, friends, Colleagues and associates of Deborah Samuel Yakubu the entire Christian community,Nigerians and the world at large on this sad incident.
May the Almighty God comfort and strengthen you all and repose the precious soul of Deborah Samuel Yakubu and grant her eternal peaceful rest.
We also pray for Peace, Love, Understanding Tolerance and Tranquility in our Land.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
DATED THE 18TH DAY OF MAY, 2022
AMANDA DEMECHI-ASAGBA
PRESIDENT
SAKINAH ADEPEJU ODUYE- QUADRI
SECRETARY GENERAL
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, A man of wide horizons and deep intentions". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
