The association, which made the appeal in a memo to the governor, a copy of which was availed journalists on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, also pleaded for mercy for the convict.
It stated that the attention of the association was drawn to the news and comments in the various media on the trial and conviction of Omar Farouq, a reportedly 13-year-old boy for blasphemy.
According to the group, Omar was subsequently sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
The group also stated that that Omar was reportedly tried as an adult based on the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics on his body.
The association also stated its concern over Omar’s conviction because its membership’s training, expertise and experience, cutting across persons within the teenage group of 10 to 20 years, could be relevant to the case.
It also stated its membership considered it a professional and national responsibility to draw the attention of the Grand Qadi and other stakeholders to some biological and neurodevelopmental processes occurring in the child at this period.
“The sentence, which was pronounced on 10th August, 2020, has started running its course. An appeal has been filed.
“Our association is a non-political and non-religious professional group of all paediatricians and other health workers looking after the health of Nigerian children with the primary objective of advocacy for children health and welfare.
“The earliest changes at puberty are the physical secondary sexual changes which, these days, appear in many children by 10 to 12 years.
“These changes signal the beginning of the transition period from childhood to adulthood that spans over eight to 10 years.
“Within this period, many children would question adult norms and may become rebellious even as normal child development.
“Therefore, in our opinion, the appearance of physical secondary sexual characteristics is consistent with age of 13 years.
“Furthermore, a child in early to mid-teenage age has not acquired sufficient mental and psychological development to understand the consequences of many of his expressions.”
The PAN membership also stated that they do not have all the facts of the case except as are available to the public through the media.
“We do not intend to interfere with the ongoing judicial process. However, we believe that as the matter is in public discourse, our professional angle may assist in this process.
“PAN appreciates the fact that Omar was not sentenced to death, but calls for review of the case in view of the biological and scientific realities,” it stated.
The letter was signed with Prof. Edward Alikor, President and Dr Petrolina Tabansi, Secretary.
