Mr. Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress’s (NDC) presidential candidate, has praised the Federal Government for successfully negotiating a prisoner exchange deal between Ethiopia and Nigeria, calling it a welcome humanitarian move.
In a statement released on his X handle on Tuesday, Obi commended Ethiopian authorities, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu for successfully concluding the lengthy negotiations.
He claims that the conversation emphasizes how crucial it is to defend Nigerian citizens’ rights and dignity regardless of where they live or what their circumstances may be.
Obi, however, offered his sympathies to the families of the at least four Nigerians who reportedly perished in Ethiopian captivity during the discussions.
“Learning that at least four Nigerian citizens died while in custody while this diplomatic and administrative process dragged on over the past few years is heartbreaking,” he said.
Many of the impacted Nigerians were young persons detained while passing through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport in pursuit of better chances overseas, according to the former governor of Anambra State.
Obi stated that the circumstance emphasizes the need to solve the economic issues that push many young Nigerians to look for opportunities abroad, even as he urged Nigerians to abide by the rules of the nations they visit.
He emphasized that in order to reduce mass emigration and the hazards that come with it, Nigeria needs to provide more economic opportunities, enhance its educational system, and establish an atmosphere where hard effort is appreciated.
As the transferred inmates return to Nigeria to complete their sentences, Obi also demanded that correctional institutions be properly managed, with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
He called on the government to take this development as a wake-up call to create a country that empowers, values, and protects its people.
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