A MAN whose Nigerian wife was refused a visa to live with him in Britain has vowed to fight on after she lost her appeal to have the decision overturned.

Robin Howarth now has one more chance to convince the immigration authorities that his marriage to Nigerian-born Justina is not a sham.

The 53-year-old shopkeeper from Church found out yesterday that the entry clearance manager at the British High Commission in Lagos, Nigeria's capital, had decided to stick by the original decision to refuse Justina entry to the UK.

In a letter sent to Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who has been fighting Robin's case, the Home Office's Joint entry clearance unit states: "The entry clearance officer was not satisfied originally that each of the parties intended to live together permanently as husband and wife.

"The ECO noted that prior to their marriage in February 2000, Mr Howarth had not seen Justina for 15 years. In fact, Mr Howarth only divorced his previous wide in 1999.

"There was little evidence of intervening devotion presented at Mrs Howarth's interview and she was unable to answer basic questions about her husband. "The entry clearance manager has reviewed the case but has decided he is unable to overturn the ECO's decision."

Robin first met Justina in 1984 when he was working for Unilever in Nigeria. At the time, he was married to ex-wife Phyliss.

He said he remained in contact with Justina when he returned to Britain, and only struck up a relationship with her when Phyliss left him to devote her life to Buddhism.

The couple married in February, 16 years after they first met. He claimed he had proposed to her 20 months earlier.

Locals in Church have signed a petition supporting her case, Phyliss has written a letter of support and Robin said he has changed the ownership of his Elmfield Street shop so that it is in both names.

Today he said: "I am devastated by this. How dare they suggest my marriage is a sham. We are in love and are dedicated to one another. To suggest my wife shows no devotion is offensive as she is a Catholic.

"I am determined to live with my wife, no matter what."

Robin has one last chance to appeal. A hearing date will be set in Manchester where Robin will be allowed to state the couple's case. He will be notified of the outcome within three months.

"I just hope they see how much we are in love. All we want to be is together."