PROSTITUTION ALLEGATION: USA EMBASSY AND AMBASSADOR JAMES F. ENTWISTLE ABUSE OF THE RULE OF LAW.

                                  "He who comes into equity must come with clean hands."

U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria James F. Entwistle has stir up a hornet's nest by jumping to conclusion of guilt in respect of an allegation bordering on rape, sexual molestation and solicitation for prostitute levelled against three members of our legislature while in the USA on International Visitors Leadership Programme (IVLP).

These are very serious allegations that must be properly and thoroughly investigated to avoid miscarriage of justice by given both sides the opportunity to defend, refute, such grievous allegations in the court of law since we are dealing with allegations of criminal misadventures.

The basic principle of law: ''The presumption of innocence, sometimes referred to by the Latin expression Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat (the burden of proof is on the one who declares, not on one who denies), is the principle that one is considered innocent unless proven guilty''. -wikipedia.org

To make a case of guilt or presumption of guilt as absolute without trial is injustice and travesty of justice.

''In many states, presumption of innocence is a legal right of the accused in a criminal trial, and it is also regarded as an international human right under the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article 11. The burden of proof is thus on the prosecution, which has to collect and present enough compelling evidence to convince the trier of fact, who is restrained and ordered by law to consider only actual evidence and testimony that is legally admissible, and in most cases lawfully obtained, that the accused is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. If reasonable doubt remains, the accused is to be acquitted. Under the Justinian Codes and English common law, the accused is presumed innocent in criminal proceedings, and in civil proceedings (like breach of contract) both sides must issue proof. Under Anglo-American common law, the accused is always presumed innocent in all types of proceedings; proof is always the burden of the accuser. The same principle is recognized by Islamic law'' -wikipedia.org

Eighth Article: United States Bill of Rights

''In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence. Ratified: December 15, 1791 Sixth Amendment'' -wikipedia.org

Note that the following references or quotes are not exhaustive in addressing this issue there are so many legal instruments internationally, locally, even ''sub-nationally'' in addressing this kind of flagrant violation of the presumption of innocence as a legal right of the accused.

it is my considered opinion that the American government as represented by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria James F. Entwistle failed woefully in their/his responsibility given the non-fulfilment of the basic requirement of a fair hearing as stipulated by the grundnorm that governs issue like this internationally and most especially the United States Bill of Rights

America and U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria James F. Entwistle have shown again to the world their disdain for human rights or rule of law when it comes to issue related to citizens of other countries.

There are so many examples of America deliberate attempt at tarnishing the image, integrity of foreign citizens while they protect and sometimes collude with foreign governments to protect their own citizens who have committed grievous crime abroad these kinds of double standards when it comes to human dignity and rights are example of what spur the anger of majority of people around the world.

I am happy that those legislators accused of this heinous crime have decided to use the judicial process to seek redress in other to clear their names.

A good name is better than Gold, Silver and Diamond.
 
Read this:  https://www.thecable.ng/just-in-sexual-misconduct-allegations-against-reps-lacks-evidence-says-onyeama

OTUNBA ADE ILEMOBADE is a philosopher

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