FIDA Rivers Pledges Support For Dr. Mrs. Seinye Lulu Briggs, Says Rights Of Widows Must Be Protected

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Rivers chapter has said that they are seriously in solidarity with Dr. Mrs. Seinye O. B. Lulu Briggs the widow of High Chief O. B. Lulu Briggs.

This was contained in a statement signed by the FIDA Chairperson, Ngozi Odukwe Ighosevbe and the Secretary, Esther Mabadeje seen by TheNigerialawyer(TNL).

Dr. Mrs. Seinye was earlier accused by her stepson Dumo, of having hands in the death of her husband and went as far as conducting a murder inquiry to know how his father died on the plane.
Making reference to both local and International Laws Rivers FIDA noted that assertions no matter how grave remain unfounded until proven and cannot in any way stop a woman/widow from her legitimate rights.

Read the statement:

“Every citizen of Nigeria which includes women generally are by our constitution and all other Acts and laws in force in Nigeria duly entitled to their fundamental human rights.

“Women’s rights are human rights. Women experience different forms and degrees of violation of their rights every second because of their vulnerability in society.

“The inalienable rights of women are often subjected to ridicule, restrictions, extensive abuse and violations.

“These subjugation and oppression hinder their effective participation in society. The customary, religious and societal norms and practices inherent in the society militate against the freedom and rights of women.

“The violations of the rights of women come in diverse forms which include but not limited to the dehumanizing practices and discriminatory acts which most times affect the widow at the death of the husband. Assertions no matter how grave remain unfounded until proven and cannot in any way stop a woman/widow from her legitimate rights.

“We also remind us of international instruments on Human Rights that touch on women’s rights and other laws in force Nigeria for the protection of widows rights. Most recently, the Rivers State House of Assembly made a commendable amendment to the Dehumanizing Harmful Traditional Practices law in Rivers State.

“All these pieces of legislation speak volumes on the protection of the rights of women and children.

“It is on this background that FIDA Rivers State branch has in the last one year watched with keen interest the unfolding events and the public outcry of Dr. Mrs. Seinye O. B. Lulu Briggs the widow of High Chief O. B. Lulu Briggs relating to the death and burial arrangements of her husband.

“FIDA Rivers reiterates her stand for the promotion, protection, and preservation of rights of women and shall stand by all women whose rights are violated or is likely to be violated.

“We once again condole with Dr. Mrs. Seinye O. B. Lulu Briggs the widow of High Chief O. B. Lulu Briggs as we stand in solidarity for the protection of her rights in all events and activities relating to her late husband’s death and burial.