Former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Tinubu, Josef Onoh, has defended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, following criticism of her recent visit to Nigerian inmates in an Ethiopian prison.
Onoh was reacting to remarks by Babafemi Ojudu, who questioned a viral video showing the Minister interacting cheerfully with inmates during the visit.
In a statement, Onoh described the visit as a form of “citizen-centred diplomacy,” insisting that it should be seen as a humanitarian and diplomatic engagement rather than a controversial act.
He said the Minister’s visit was part of a broader achievement, including the signing of a bilateral Prisoner Transfer Agreement between Nigeria and Ethiopia under the current administration.
According to him, the agreement represents a significant diplomatic milestone aimed at enabling eligible Nigerian prisoners abroad to serve their sentences in the country.
Onoh further stated that the emotional response of inmates during the visit reflected relief and hope after years in detention, stressing that such reactions should not be misinterpreted.
He maintained that the engagement demonstrated empathy, advocacy, and responsible statecraft, while urging critics to focus on the diplomatic progress achieved.
