The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. Peter Obi, has commended the Federal Government for successfully concluding a prisoner exchange agreement with Ethiopia, calling it a “refreshing humanitarian intervention”.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, Obi praised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and Ethiopian authorities for concluding the protracted negotiations.
According to him, the exchange highlights the importance of protecting the dignity and rights of Nigerian citizens, no matter their location or circumstances.
Obi, however, expressed sadness over reports that at least four Nigerians died in Ethiopian custody during the negotiations. He extended condolences to their families.
“It is heartbreaking to learn that at least four Nigerian citizens lost their lives in custody while this diplomatic process dragged on for years,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor noted that many of those affected were young Nigerians arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport in search of better opportunities abroad.
While urging Nigerians to obey the laws of countries they visit, Obi said the incident underscores the economic challenges forcing many young people to seek opportunities outside the country.
He stressed that Nigeria must create more economic opportunities, improve education, and build an environment where hard work is rewarded to curb mass emigration 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, with emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration.
He urged the government to treat the development as a wake-up call to build a nation that protects, values, and empowers its citizens.
I tightened phrasing, removed repetition like “successfully concluding… successful conclusion”, fixed punctuation, and made the flow more newsroom-ready.