RETURN OF CHIEF

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30092, 28 March 1963, Page 15

RETURN OF CHIEF

P.M. Orders New Delay (N.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright) LONDON. March 26 The British Prime Minister iMr Macmillan), in a surprise move, tonight ordered a third postponement of the extradition of Chief Enahoro of Nigeria. Chief Enahoro. a prominent Opposition member in the Nigerian Federal Parliament, faces a charge of treasonable felony. A legal point has to be cleared up relating to the distinction between treason and treasonable felony. Tonight’s debate was specially arranged so the House of Commons could vote on the controversial deportation issue. It was adjourned until further notice so the legal point could be discussed

The Opposition had put down a censure motion regretting the Government’s action in refusing Chief Enahoro political asylum The Government had tabled an amendment upholding the decision that the chief should stand trial.

Later. Mr Macmillan promised Parliament that Chief Enahoro would not be extradited to Nigeria until the Nigerian Government gave a definite assurance the chief would not face the death penalty. The Prime Minister’s pledge came after stormy scenes in the House of Commons tn which Opposition members called on the Home Secretary Mr Henry Brooke, to resign.