The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has commended the Federal Government for finalizing a prisoner exchange agreement with Ethiopia calling it a refreshing humanitarian intervention.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Obi specifically lauded Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) for their roles in concluding the long-stalled negotiations, alongside Ethiopian authorities.
However, the former Anambra governor expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of at least four Nigerians who reportedly died in Ethiopian custody during the years of diplomatic back-and-forth.
“It is heartbreaking to learn that at least four Nigerian citizens lost their lives in custody while this process dragged on,” Obi wrote, offering condolences to their families.
Many of the affected individuals, he noted, were young Nigerians arrested while transiting through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport hopeful travelers seeking better opportunities abroad.
While urging Nigerians to respect the laws of host countries, Obi stressed that the tragedy underscores a deeper national crisis: the economic desperation pushing thousands to risk dangerous journeys.
He called on the government to:
· Create more jobs and economic opportunities at home
· Overhaul the education system to equip youth for local success
· Build an environment where hard work truly pays off
Obi also appealed for proper rehabilitation and reintegration programs as the repatriated prisoners return to Nigeria to complete their sentences, warning that the justice system must prioritize correction over punishment.
“Let this be a wake-up call,” he urged. “We must build a nation that protects, values, and empowers its own citizens.”
