Prisoner Exchange: Obi commends Nigeria, Ethiopia, laments deaths of four Nigerians in custody

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has welcomed the completion of the prisoner exchange arrangement between Nigeria and Ethiopia, describing the development as a humanitarian step that upholds the dignity of Nigerian citizens abroad.

In a statement on Monday, Obi commended the efforts of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as well as Ethiopian authorities, for concluding the negotiations that led to the transfer of affected prisoners.

He said every Nigerian citizen deserves protection and respect for their constitutional right to human dignity, irrespective of their location or circumstances.

The former Anambra State governor, however, expressed sadness over reports that at least four Nigerians died in custody while the diplomatic and administrative process was ongoing.

According to him, the deaths highlight the human cost of prolonged negotiations and the pain endured by families who lost loved ones in a foreign country.

Obi urged Nigerians to reflect on the broader issues underlying the situation, noting that many of those affected were young citizens who had left the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

While stressing the need for Nigerians to obey the laws of host countries, he questioned the socio-economic conditions that continue to push many young people to seek opportunities outside the country under difficult circumstances.

He argued that Nigeria must create an environment that offers economic opportunities, quality education and rewards hard work in order to address the root causes of mass migration and its associated risks.

Obi also called for proper management of correctional facilities as the transferred prisoners return to Nigeria to serve out their sentences, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

He said the prisoner exchange should serve not only as a humanitarian intervention but also as a reminder of the need to build a country that protects, values and empowers its citizens.

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