We take care of dogs more than 80,000 prisoners –Oshiomhole

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has alleged that the Nigerian state prioritises the welfare of dogs more than the over 80,000 prisoners languishing in various correctional centres.

The former governor of Edo State made the assertion at a public lecture in support and honour of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with the theme: ‘Nigeria yesterday, today and a prosperous future.’

He emphasised that the prison was not meant to kill people but to correct wrong doers, but regretted that powerful forces get away with threats of dealing with prisoners with the connivance of some corrupt security operatives.

“We even take care of dogs better than Nigerian prisoners. The bad news is that out of the 80,000 prisoners, 50 percent are awaiting trial. In our laws, you are presumed innocent until found guilty. Oppression is the name of the game. A person will tell you that I will teach you a lesson, and with the connection of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), he can teach you more lessons than you can ever imagine,” he said.

He frowned at the labelling of Nigeria and its currency as weak by foreign countries, stating that Nigeria should define its path and not allow foreign profiling to soil the image of the country.

“In Nigeria, our people will go to the World Bank, and they will tell us who we are. We are supposed to define who we are, and not foreigners. And until we go back to this home-grown policy, and damn the consequences of the world, because they are going to fight us, we will continue to have problems. For us to secure the future, we must interrogate the immediate past,” he said.

The guest speaker, Prof. Sam Amadi of Baze University, said Nigeria should not despair in the face of challenges, noting that the country could benefit from its existential problems.

According to Amadi, the Nigerian leadership should fast-track economic development through diversification and implementation of direct state principles.

“The social contract we are proposing requires elected officials to fast-track economic development through diversification. Apart from being the biggest economy in the country, we were first, but we are now fourth after South Africa, Egypt and Algeria.

“We should be the fastest developing economy with tremendous untapped human resources. A nation is always a work in progress, but how we do that work determines what the nation turns out to be. We must admit that we have not been doing a good job since 1960.

“We got some terrible results but we should not argue with the results. We must maximise opportunities. The good news is that Nigeria still has the resources to succeed, Nigeria can still succeed.

“Every crisis can be turned into an opportunity and invention, but all depends on the honesty, patriotism, courage and intelligence of the ruling elites. It is left for us as leaders to make Nigeria great. It is possible and doable.” In addition, Prof. Emeka Umerah, lauded the achievements of President Tinubu, for his visionary leadership.

“In the spirit of boldness, courage and determination, I must commend President Bola  Tinubu, a true visionary for his maverick style of leadership over the past year.

“Leading Nigeria requires navigating complex challenges and making decisions that may not yield immediate results, or compliments.

“Forgoing political expediency, President Tinubu has shown remarkable courage in confronting the challenges, steering our nation towards a brighter future. Reflecting on his first year in office, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the strides we’ve made.

“It’s akin to witnessing the biblical walls of Jericho crumble; each blow against corruption, each policy aimed at economic revitalisation echoing like Joshua’s trumpets.

“President Tinubu’s tenure exemplifies the Jerichoan feat of overcoming obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. As we celebrate these achievements, let us not forget that our work is far from over.

“We must continue to embolden the bold, to encourage the courageous, and to unite in our efforts to build a nation, where every citizen has a fair chance at success, and where prosperity reaches every corner of our land.

“So, my fellow Nigerians, let us rise to this challenge together. Let us shun division, but rather harness the spirit of unity and determination that defines us as a people.

“Together, we have the power to shape our destiny; to tear down walls of division and despair, and to build bridges of hope and prosperity.

“Let us build bridges that connect us to a future of shared prosperity and opportunity.

“Let us encourage the courageous, embolden the bold, and together, let us forge ahead towards a Nigeria we can all be proud of.”