Monday, 10 December 2007

Campaign to save city woman

I have just written a story in the Birmingham Post about a Nigerian woman who is about to be deported.
Jumoke Adediwura, aged 35, has lived in Birmingham for four years and has two small children - one has learning difficulties.
She left Nigeria after what she has described as "years of abuse" at the hands of "her people". Now I'm not sure of the details of her past but one thing is for sure... this woman really is frightened for her life - more so for her children.
In her village, disabled children are thought to be the result of God's punishment and Jumoke fears her daughter will be slaughtered.
As a result, this desperate woman has vowed to leave her children behind to ensure their safety.
She is currently in the Yarl's Wood detention centre and is due to fly back to Africa at 10pm tonight.
Immigration minister Liam Byrne should (hopefully) be reviewing her case today.
Now I know society tends to have a very negative view of asylum seekers but surely the fact that she would prefer to be separated from her children proves just how scared she is about returning to Nigeria.
Since her arrival, she has really tried to integrate with her local community, has attended ESOL classes and is determined to work to support her family without assistance from the state. A prime candidate for remaining in the UK!
To support Jumoke, visit the website set up by her friends: www.myspace.com/supportjumoke

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