allAfrica.com: Nigeria: Espionage - 'Gov't Approved Asuni's Citizenship' (Page 1 of 1)

The claim by government before the Federal High Court, Abuja, that detained Niger Delta Peace Activist, Dr Judith Asuni is not a Nigerian may not be true, as documents have shown that the American, born 60 years ago, was indeed granted the naturalisation to become a Nigerian in 2004.

Asuni was arrested and put on trial over allegations of espionage. Her application for bail was rejected on the ground that government had received new information of her activities, which are injurious to national security.

However, documents have revealed that Asuni became a Nigerian in 2004, on the approval of her application for naturalisation by government, in certificate no A/000184 issued on February 27, 2004 and signed by the then Minister for Internal Affairs, Dr Iyorcha Ayu.

The Federal Government approved her application to become a Nigerian citizen.

The text in the certificate reads: "Whereas Dr Judith Burlin Asuni has applied to me for a Certificate of Naturalisation/ Registration as a citizen of Nigeria, alleging with respect to (himself/herself) the particulars set out below and has satisfied me that the conditions prescribed for the grant of a certificate of Naturalisation/Registration are fulfilled."

"Now therefore in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, I do hereby grant to the said Dr Judith Burdin Asuni this certificate of Naturalisation/Registration and declare that upon taking the oath of allegiance within the time and in the manner prescribed by law (he/she) shall be a citizen of Nigeria from the date of this certificate.Interior Ministry sources said the Certificate of Naturalisation/Registration was released to her after meeting these conditions as earlier listed in the letter by the Ministry of Internal Affairs informing her to complete the processes to qualify for the certificate.In the letter from the Ministry of Internal Affairs with ref no: MIA/nat/5879/1/24, dated September 15, 2003 and signed by one Alhassan M. Fawu, Director (Citizenship &Business) the ministry had conveyed government's approval of Asuni's application. Her application requested that she completes some listed conditions to qualify her for the Certificate released about 10 months later.

The letter reads: "I am directed to inform you that government has approved your application for Nigerian Citizenship and has agreed that you may be issued with a Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of Nigeria, on the proviso that you meet the following conditions within twelve (12) months of the date of this letter: (a) Swear the Oath Allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria;(b) Complete the declaration as to residence;(3) Pay N5,000(Five Thousand Naira) Registration Fees to the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs.Also it was gathered that the decision of the Federal Government to approve Asuni's citizenship was conveyed to her through a letter dated 15th September 2003 and signed by one Alhazan M. Fawu, who signed as Director (Citizenship & Business).

Asuni has consistently denied the charge. She alleged that some politicians and top government and security officials who are not comfortable with her peace initiatives and activities in the Niger Delta are the ones framing her to get out of those commitments. She alleged further that these politicians, government officials and security operatives are angry that she reported their nefarious activities to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. She said they are getting back at her because Obasanjo who found her activities in the Niger Delta commendable is out of office.Her counsel, Prof. Taiwo Oshopitan told journalists at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday that the document the government is pleading against Asuni is part of a bigger document which they will make available to the court to prove that the claims of the prosecution are not true.

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