'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, a prominent leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the release of over 1.3 million Nigerians allegedly detained in Indian prisons during the ongoing visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nigeria.
In a statement personally signed by him and shared with Daily Courier, Isiguzoro described the reported incarceration of 1.3 million Nigerians across India as a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate diplomatic intervention. He urged President Tinubu to leverage the high-profile visit to address the plight of Nigerians who, he claims, are victims of systemic challenges and harsh immigration policies.
According to Isiguzoro, intelligence reports indicate that India houses more Nigerian prisoners than any other country globally, with many of them being innocent individuals detained due to stringent immigration laws or racial discrimination.
“Our call for action does not extend to those serving prison sentences for criminal activities, but rather to those ensnared by systemic challenges or racial discrimination,” he clarified.
The Ohanaeze leader emphasized that detained Nigerians include students pursuing higher education, medical tourists, and legitimate businesspersons who have been unjustly affected by India’s immigration policies.
Describing the situation as a notable humanitarian crisis, Isiguzoro urged President Tinubu to advocate for the immediate release of Nigerians unjustly detained or subjected to prolonged imprisonment without fair trials. He emphasized the need for a diplomatic approach that addresses these issues while strengthening Nigeria-India relations.
“It is imperative that President Tinubu utilize this diplomatic opportunity to advocate for the swift release of those unjustly detained, particularly individuals who are innocent and have faced prolonged detainment without fair trials,” he said.
Isiguzoro also called for discussions on strengthening Nigeria-India partnerships in critical sectors such as technology, energy, infrastructure, and railways. He noted that robust bilateral agreements in these areas could drive innovation, economic revitalization, and job creation in Nigeria.
“The potential for collaboration in these sectors is not only substantial but also essential for the revitalization of Nigeria’s economy. By pursuing robust bilateral agreements, we can harness the capabilities of Indian enterprises to drive innovation and create sustainable jobs for our citizens,” he stated.
Additionally, Isiguzoro urged President Tinubu to prioritize Nigeria’s inclusion in the BRICS economic bloc during discussions with Prime Minister Modi. He argued that this strategic move could enhance Nigeria’s economic stability and facilitate trade using the Naira.
“The inclusion of Nigeria in discussions concerning the BRICS economic bloc should also be on the agenda. This initiative aligns with the expectations of the Nigerian populace following President Tinubu’s recent participation in the G20 Summit in India,” he added.
As Prime Minister Modi’s visit marks a significant moment in Nigeria-India relations, Isiguzoro expressed hope that President Tinubu would seize the opportunity to address both humanitarian and economic priorities.
He concluded by reiterating the importance of a strong, balanced partnership between Nigeria and India, built on mutual respect and shared goals.
