Deportation looms for Nigerian mother because she said she is bisexual...

[Old Dog 179138]

There is one heck of a lot of media spin on this and the counsel for the person concerned is using it to their advantage.

 

The IRB would not base a decision based solely on sexual orientation, that is not within their mandate.

 

Ms Okojie's claim was likely dismissed due to credibility issues on the whole rather than that minute aspect.

[Guest W***ledi*Time]

Okojie's Refugee Claim seems to have been that:

 

1) She is bisexual

2) Bisexuals face persecution and discrimination in Nigeria (Homosexual activity is punishable by imprisonment of up to 14 years)

3) Therefore she should be granted Refugee Status in Canada

She arrived in Canada from Nigeria in 2003. Her refugee claim, which was based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, was denied in 2005. Her Pre-Removal Risk Assessment in 2008 concluded that it was safe to send her back to Nigeria. (This is when the OP News Article was published.)

 

Reasoning stated in other news reports:

 

"An immigration official determined that despite evidence of human rights concerns in Nigeria, she would not face a 'sustained and systemic denial of (her) fundamental human rights.'"

 

"Canadian immigration and refugee officials ... say ... Okojie failed to convince them that she's bisexual or lesbian."

 

A Judicial Review of her Pre-Removal Risk Assessment at the Federal Court took place, and as of December 2008, their decision was expected to take months to reach; I've not found the results of this case - but the February 2011 City of Toronto staff directory lists Jane Okojie as working there in Children's Services.

 

http://www.xtra.ca/public/viewstory.aspx?AFF_TYPE=3&STORY_ID=5082&PUB_TEMPLATE_ID=9

 

http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2008/12/19/7799986-sun.html

 

http://www.toronto.ca/city_directory/pdf/staff-directory-o.pdf

[Old Dog 179138]

One of the greatest challenges in the reporting of any of these stories is that it will always be in the favour of the "victim."

 

Privacy legislation prohibits the Government of Canada from commenting directly or indirectly on the aspects of any case.

 

In essence, it creates an environment where the government can make a lawful and just decision but will not be able to rebut any allegations made in the media.

 

One should always keep this in mind when reading stories of this nature.

[Old Dog 179138]

Just a follow up.... this story is 3 years old. Jane now lives quietly in Toronto.

[Guest W***ledi*Time]

Just a follow up.... this story is 3 years old. Jane now lives quietly in Toronto.

 

Yup, as I pointed out in my earlier post!

[Old Dog 179138]

... and she is legal now!