Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former United Nations Rapportuer on Trafficking of Persons and rights activist, Professor Joy Ezeilo, has strongly condemned the recent deportation of Osun State indigenes by the Lagos State Government.
Professor Ezeilo said the action was morally reprehensible and illegal, adding that it is strange for a Nigerian to be deported from any part of the country.
The professor of Public Law who took to her Facebook page, regretted that instead of assisting marginalised communities, Lagos State Government was busy adding to the pains of Nigerians.
She wrote: “Deporting Nigerian citizens within the country’s borders is morally reprehensible and illegal. It violates their rights to move and reside freely in Nigeria and could be used to target specific ethnic or vulnerable groups. This cruel act cannot be justified. The government should instead focus on assisting marginalised communities and holding offenders accountable for their actions.
“Addendum: Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended states that: “Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereto or exit therefrom…”
