On the recordFebruary 7, 2020
This morning, hardworking families across northern New Jersey woke up, made breakfast, and wished each other good-bye before leaving for work or school. But our thoughts are with one family that was unable to be together this morning, this Sowore family from Haworth in Bergen County. That is because Yele Sowore, a husband, father, and neighbor, remains in Nigeria awaiting the outcome of his pending trial. For months, members of the New Jersey delegation, including Senator Menendez and Senator Booker, have been closely following Mr. Sowore's case and working together with the Haworth community to advocate on behalf of our neighbor and friend. We were relieved when, in December, after months of detention, Mr. Sowore was finally released on bail. But we continue to urge the Government of Nigeria to follow its own laws and to do the right thing: providing Yele with the due process rights he deserves. I want to recognize Yele's family, especially his wife, Ope, who has dealt with a trying situation with extraordinary courage and determination. As Representative of the Fifth Congressional District, I am very proud to stand beside Yele's many friends and neighbors throughout north Jersey whose hope is that he will soon be able to be reunited with his family. We are thinking of him, praying for him, and I will not stop working until he comes home. ____________________
