Your Excellency Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State in Nigeria.
I am deeply saddened and traumatized to read that people still practice jungle justice in your state. Three men, had their privacy invaded and were paraded along the street accused of engaging in gay sex. Though same-sex sexual action is criminalized under penal code in Nigeria, invasion of privacy is equally against Nigerian law. Only security officials harmed with warrant could enter a house by force if the owner of the house resists arrests or refuses to open the door. What happen to these men could happen to another person and result could be worse than the Aluu tragedy where four young men were burn to death through jungle justice.
I read that these men are still in the police custody. I also read from where else that they are nowhere to be found. Have they been killed? What can you do elicit transparency in this case? These three men have families in your domain. They were not caught in acts constituting threat to life and property or even public decency. The stories I have read so far says “they were in the privacy of their room having sex.” WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREVENT JUNGLE JUSTICE FROM HAPPENING AGAIN?
On second note, human sexuality is not as clear cut as you would think. Some people are born homosexuals. Science confirms this and similar personal life stories of people in this category across the globe confirm it. Coming to this awareness, the British who criminalized same-sex amorous interactions across their colonies have decriminalized it in their own countries and so did many other European countries. South Africa stands as an example for Africa countries to follow. Whatever would make an elder statesman like Nelson Mandela, Wole Soyinka or Desmond Tutu advocate for caution, recognition and respect of the sexual minority’s privacy is worth examining by any other wise leader. Mr. Governor, please come to the assistant of the vulnerable.
I know same-sex is hotly debated in Nigeria, but that should be no justification for JUNGLE JUSTICE. Mr. Governor could you be the first governor to actually constitute a body researchers to study this “phenomenon” beyond the Bible and sentiment but to the level of scientifically? The finding will enlighten the public and safe lives of vulnerable sexual minorities and their families.
Finally, would you also use your office to fish out the whereabouts of these men and let the world know that they are still alive? Should they have been killed, would his Excellency fight for justice for them as a deterrent of jungle justice by bringing the perpetrators to justice themselves? There are pictures circulating round the world now about this dastardliest act. Hence faces around them are identifiable and should be arrested for taking laws to their hands. The law of the land presently did not sanction jungle justice or decree death for homosexuals; but they could be arrested by lawful officers and jailed if found guilty by the court (which is also unjust and unwarranted over sex).
Mary Slessor stood up for life for twin infants, Mr. Governor; I encourage you to stand up for the course of law, orderliness and justice and for lives of these victims of jungle justice and for the sexual minority in particular. God bless the Governor, God bless Imo State and God bless Nigeria.
Signed: John Adewoye, Couragenigeria@gmail.com