- Peter Obi Commends FG Over Nigeria-Ethiopia Prisoner Exchange Deal
- Obi mourned four Nigerians reportedly killed in Ethiopian custody.
- He urged government to create opportunities and support rehabilitation efforts.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has commended the Federal Government for successfully concluding a prisoner exchange agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
Peter Obi expressed his views in a post shared on his 𝕏 handle on Tuesday, describing the development as a welcome humanitarian intervention.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the former Anambra State governor praised Nigeria’s diplomatic and legal teams, as well as Ethiopian authorities, for bringing the prolonged negotiations to a successful conclusion.
He specifically commended Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for their roles in facilitating the agreement.
According to Obi, the prisoner exchange highlights the importance of safeguarding the dignity and rights of Nigerian citizens, regardless of where they find themselves.
While welcoming the development, he expressed sadness over reports that at least four Nigerians died in Ethiopian custody while negotiations were ongoing.
“It is heartbreaking to learn that at least four Nigerian citizens lost their lives in custody while this diplomatic and administrative process dragged on over the past few years,” Obi stated.
He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Obi observed that many of the affected Nigerians were young citizens who were arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport in pursuit of opportunities abroad.
He urged Nigerians travelling to foreign countries to respect and obey the laws of their host nations.
The former governor, however, stressed that the situation reflected the broader economic challenges facing many young Nigerians and the growing desperation that drives migration in search of better opportunities.
According to him, Nigeria must focus on creating jobs, improving educational opportunities and building an economy where hard work and innovation are rewarded.
Obi also called for the proper management of correctional facilities as the transferred prisoners return to Nigeria to complete their sentences.
He emphasized the need for rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration programmes that would enable the affected individuals to become productive members of society after serving their terms.
The NDC presidential candidate further urged the government to see the development as an opportunity to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting, empowering and creating opportunities for Nigerian citizens.
He maintained that building a nation that values its people remains the most effective way to reduce the risks associated with irregular migration and the search for opportunities abroad.
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