Lo blasts Home Office over deportations saying they are ignoring the local community

2.20.00pm GMT Wed 2nd Jan 2008

South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo

As news emerged that Aderonke Falode and her family may be about to be deported, South Belfast Alliance MLA Anna Lo has described the actions of the Home Office as totally disgraceful. She said the whole community wants the two East Belfast families threatened with deportation to be allowed to stay, and called on the Home Office to have a heart. It also appears that Comfort Adefowoju and her family could also face deportation in the next few days. The Alliance Party organized a rally against these unfair deportations at Stormont before Christmas.

Anna Lo MLA said: "It's time that the Home Office had a heart on this issue. 2008 simply must not be allowed to start on such a devastating note. This is a total disgrace. It appears that Aderonke and her family is now facing deportation to Nigeria, and Comfort and her family may also be deported in the next few days.

"We appealed on compassionate grounds for both Aderonke and Comfort, and their families to be allowed to stay here. These families have integrated into East Belfast and have made it their home. The whole community wants the families to stay and the government should follow the wishes of local people.

"Local politicians and friends have led a robust campaign to stop the deportations of Comfort, Aderonke and their families. There has been an overwhelming groundswell of support for them.

"I would appeal to the Home Office to listen to the people of Northern Ireland let the families stay here for good. The Home Office simply must not go over the heads of local people and ignore their wishes."

ENDS