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| Blessing and Baby Precious |
This is the story of a Nigerian
immigrant in Norway, whose five-month old baby was taken away by the Social
Welfare Services and given to a foster parent of Norwegian origin. CHARLES
KUMOLU reports…
LIKE many African immigrants, when
the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the
continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life
and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective
countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them
together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who
share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries,
starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained
promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha
in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby
Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad
day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken
away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
The development has left in its
trail, emotional trauma, psychological torture, anger and regrets for both
parents.
Emotional trauma
This is why the father of baby
Okocha wants the Federal Government to prevail on the Norwegian authorities to
return the baby.
Narrating his predicament Blessing said: ‘’I am a Nigerian and my fiancee,
Emma is a Liberian. We both reside here in Norway. My fiancee gave birth to my
son in 2013. After the childbirth, the Social Welfare came into our lives. They
said that due to her history with them that they have to take her to a
mother and child home, in Vilde Horten where they said she will be put to test
and see if she is fit to be a mother and raise the child.
‘’The rule in the mother and child
home is that if they don’t think you are fit to take care of your child, you
are told after a month. But that was not the case with my fiancee.
She was there for three months and nothing was found wrong with her, ‘’ he
stated.
We will never see our baby again: He
further said: ‘’The day she was supposed to go home, they said she should stay
for an extra month, that the baby appeared stressed. And he was just four
months at the time. She agreed to stay for a month more. On Tuesday June 18,
2013 they came and told my fiancee that they were taking my son away from
her and she would going home without the baby. They claimed that the baby
was stressed and needed help.’’
In addition, John said: ‘’On
Thursday June 18, 2013 we had a meeting for the last time, but they later came
with Police to take our child. I asked where the child was being taken to and
who was going to be raising the child. They brought a young boy in his late
twenties and said he’s going to be the one to take care of our boy and we will
never see him again.’’
He further said: ‘’I am pleading
with the Nigerian Government to assist in getting back my son, else the baby
will suffer the fate of others who had been forcefully taken away from their
biological parents and given to Norwegian citizens. We are not the only people
who have been treated like this. They take our babies and give them to
foster parents and that would be the end of the story. I need my son. I am
aware the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora assists Nigerians in
such difficult situations. I am one of those Nigerians; I need every possible
help to reunite with my baby.’’
Corroborating, John’s story,
Emma said: ‘’I need help; there is so much injustice going on here in Norway. I
came to Norway as a refugee, in search of peace but we have been living in
sorrow, worry and fear. Fear of the government, police and child welfare. Our
children are being used as business. Many homes are broken while most
mothers are lonely.
Hear another Parent. ‘’I am a mother of five. Four girls
and a boy. I need help. I came to Norway in March 20, 2004 with my
three children. Jenneh Brima 9 years, Yei Mansaray 4 years and Elizabeth Kenneh
7 months old. We were living in a city, Hedmark, for a short time ; we then
later moved to another city call Alta where my children and I live until they
were wrongly taking away from me by the child welfare.’’
Continuing, she said: ‘’This has been going on for many years. We
came to this country to find peace but it has been a very bad experience for
us. We want the world to know what is going on. We need justice, we need
someone who is going to stand , investigate and fight for us. We are many; I
have many people in line waiting to receive help,’’ she added.
This is happening in the wake
of a high-profile custody international battle over two Indian children living
in Norway.
The authorities claimed that
there was emotional disconnect between the kids and parents.
Meanwhile, further investigations
revealed that the practice of removing children from their parents, is
not strange in the Scandinavian country.
According to Wikipedia: ‘’The
Service has been severely criticized by the Government of India for taking away
two children of an Indian couple who are working in Norway. Berit Aarset, who
heads Human Rights Alert, Norway, has called the incident “state kidnapping.”
She said: “This is not the first time such a thing is happening in Norway.
The legal system favours the Child
Welfare Services and they do what they want all the time. Quite often when a
Norwegian is married to a non-Norwegian they also do the same thing; they also
do this to asylum seekers and in almost every case they say one of the parents
have a mental problem just to make their case strong …that is what has happened
in the Bhattacharya case too.”
Private invesigation
It further said, ‘’The Child Welfare
Services were accused of abduction of two Turkish-Norwegian Kids from Turkey
using a private investigator. The children were handed to the foster parents
who stayed with their parents. Some time later, the foster father was arrested
for child sex abuse clearly demonstrating the ineptitude of the child welfare
services. Another incident involved a Russian citizen living in Norway.
Her shocking statements took many
newspapers’ front pages: “During the court hearings, the judge told me: ‘We
give you residence permit, and you give us your son.’ I refused, and then the
repressions started. Many times in past Child Welfare Services have been
accused on violation of human rights for taking away children from their
parents.’’
Another report by an online news
medium, ICE News, said more immigrant families are moving out of Norway in
order to avoid issues with the country’s CWS. “According to a report published
by The Foreigner news, as many as one in six immigrant children are now either
taken out of the country or sent back alone to be with family abroad. However,
the actual number remains unknown, as there have been no accredited studies on
the matter,’’ the report stated.
Child Welfare Act of 1992:
However, checks indicated that the CWS in Norway was established by the Child
Welfare Act of July 17, 1992 to ensure that children and young people who
live in conditions that can harm their health and development are given the
necessary help and care at the right time.
The Act also stated how and when a
child can be taken away.
In Section 4-17 the law said:
‘’Removing a child from the home without parental consent requires a decision
from the County Committee for Social Affairs on the basis of a recommendation
submitted by the municipal authorities. The county committee is a government
body with an autonomous position in relation to the ministry and the Office of
the County Governor. Decisions taken by the county committee may only be
overturned by the courts. The county committees are administered under the
auspices of the Ministry of Children and Equality.’’
Culled from The Vanguard.
My people. This is serious oh. But may i ask, if the country's child system does not favour foreigners, what are they still doing there?
This
is the story of a Nigerian immigrant in Norway, whose five-month old
baby was taken away by the Social Welfare Services and given to a foster
parent of Norwegian origin. CHARLES KUMOLU reports…
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
This
is the story of a Nigerian immigrant in Norway, whose five-month old
baby was taken away by the Social Welfare Services and given to a foster
parent of Norwegian origin. CHARLES KUMOLU reports…
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
This
is the story of a Nigerian immigrant in Norway, whose five-month old
baby was taken away by the Social Welfare Services and given to a foster
parent of Norwegian origin. CHARLES KUMOLU reports…
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
This
is the story of a Nigerian immigrant in Norway, whose five-month old
baby was taken away by the Social Welfare Services and given to a foster
parent of Norwegian origin. CHARLES KUMOLU reports…
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
This
is the story of a Nigerian immigrant in Norway, whose five-month old
baby was taken away by the Social Welfare Services and given to a foster
parent of Norwegian origin. CHARLES KUMOLU reports…
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
LIKE many African immigrants, when the duo of John Blessing and Emma Mansaray were leaving the shores of the continent for Europe, it never crossed their mind that better social life and unrivalled happiness which they were seeking for would be a mirage.
Though they left their respective countries, Nigeria and Liberia, at different times, destiny brought them together in the city of Drammen, Norway. As people of same race and colour, who share a similar story of harsh socio-economic realities in their respective countries, starting a relationship was not difficult.
The affair which has remained promising till date, eventually produced a baby boy, Emmanuel Precious Okocha in 2013.
For the parents, the birth of baby Okocha brought unmatched happiness. But that joy was shortlived. In broad day light of Tuesday, June 18, 2013, their baby was allegedly taken away from them by Norwegian Child Welfare Services, CWS.
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/07/i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e-nigerian-child-abducted-by-norwegian-child-welfare/#sthash.JgCxhT8W.dpuf
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