Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has praised both the Nigerian and Ethiopian governments for successfully concluding a prisoner exchange agreement, describing it as a significant humanitarian achievement that protects the rights and dignity of Nigerians abroad.
In a statement released on Monday, Obi commended the efforts of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Ethiopian authorities for their roles in facilitating the transfer of affected prisoners.
According to Obi, every Nigerian deserves protection and respect, regardless of where they are in the world, stressing that the constitutional right to human dignity should never be compromised.
While welcoming the successful completion of the exchange process, the former Anambra State governor expressed deep concern over reports that four Nigerians reportedly died in Ethiopian custody before the transfer arrangement was finalised.
He described the deaths as a painful reminder of the human consequences of lengthy diplomatic and administrative processes, noting that families have been left to mourn loved ones who never made it back home.
Obi said the tragic development should encourage Nigerians and policymakers to look beyond the prisoner swap and address the underlying issues that continue to push many young people to seek opportunities outside the country.
According to him, many of those affected are youths who left Nigeria in search of better living conditions and economic prospects.
While urging Nigerians living abroad to respect and obey the laws of their host countries, Obi questioned the economic realities that force many citizens to migrate under difficult circumstances.
He argued that Nigeria must focus on creating a society where young people can thrive through access to quality education, job opportunities, and an environment that rewards hard work and innovation.
The former governor maintained that addressing unemployment, poverty, and limited opportunities would reduce the desperation that often drives risky migration.
Obi also called for proper handling of the prisoners who have now been transferred back to Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration programmes within the correctional system.
According to him, the prisoner exchange should not only be seen as a humanitarian intervention but also as a wake-up call for the country to build a nation where citizens feel valued, protected, and empowered to succeed at home.
His comments come amid growing conversations about migration, youth unemployment, and the welfare of Nigerians facing legal challenges abroad.
Source: Statement by Peter Obi
