Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has described the conclusion of the prisoner exchange agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia as refreshing. In a statement released on Tuesday, Obi commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), along with their Ethiopian counterparts, for finally bringing the protracted negotiations to a close.
Loss of Lives Lamented
Obi expressed sorrow over the loss of at least four Nigerian citizens who died in custody while the diplomatic and administrative processes dragged on over the past few years. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, acknowledging the immense pain of losing loved ones in a foreign land.
Systemic Crisis Highlighted
While commending the humanitarian intervention, Obi pointed out that the situation underscores a larger systemic crisis. He noted that the majority of the affected citizens are young Nigerians, many of whom were arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa's Bole International Airport in search of better opportunities abroad. Obi urged citizens to respect the laws of host nations but also posed a critical question: what drives the nation's young and productive population into desperate circumstances across the globe?
Call for National Transformation
Obi emphasized that until Nigeria is rebuilt to offer genuine economic opportunities, a functional educational framework, and an environment where hard work is rewarded, the country will continue to face the tragic consequences of mass emigration and its associated vulnerabilities. He called for proper management of correctional facilities in Nigeria, with a focus on genuine rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
Urgent Call to Action
Obi urged that this moment should not be seen merely as short-term relief but as an urgent call to build a nation that protects, values, and empowers its citizens at home.
