Sen Oshiomhole: Nigerian Dogs Receive Better-Care Than Prisoners (View-Details)

Sen Oshiomhole: Nigerian Dogs Receive Better-Care Than Prisoners (View-Details)

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has made a startling claim that the Nigerian state prioritizes the welfare of dogs over the well-being of more than 80,000 prisoners languishing in correctional facilities.

Speaking at a public lecture themed ‘Nigeria Yesterday, Today, and a Prosperous Future,’ held in support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State, criticized the dire conditions within the Nigerian prison system. He emphasized that prisons are meant to correct wrongdoers, not to kill them, and lamented that influential individuals often escape accountability by manipulating corrupt security operatives.

“We take better care of dogs than Nigerian prisoners. Out of 80,000 prisoners, 50% are awaiting trial. Our laws presume innocence until proven guilty, yet oppression is rampant. People boast about teaching others a lesson, using connections with the DPO to enforce their will,” Oshiomhole said.

Additionally, Oshiomhole condemned the negative portrayal of Nigeria and its currency by foreign entities, insisting that Nigeria should define its own path without succumbing to external profiling.

“Our people go to the World Bank to be told who we are. We should define ourselves and not let foreigners dictate our identity. We need to embrace home-grown policies, even if it means facing resistance from the world,” he stated.

Prof. Sam Amadi of Baze University**, the guest speaker, urged Nigerians not to despair despite the challenges. He emphasized the potential benefits of confronting these existential issues and called for a fast-tracking of economic development through diversification and direct state principles.

“The social contract we propose requires elected officials to drive economic development through diversification. We were once the biggest economy in Africa but now lag behind South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria. Nigeria has the resources to succeed, but it requires honesty, patriotism, courage, and intelligence from our leaders,” Amadi said.

Prof. Emeka Umerah** praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, highlighting his bold and visionary approach over the past year.

“President Tinubu has shown remarkable courage in navigating complex challenges and making tough decisions. His tenure is reminiscent of the biblical walls of Jericho crumbling with each policy aimed at economic revitalization and combating corruption,” Umerah stated.

Reflecting on Tinubu’s first year in office, Umerah called for unity and continued efforts to build a prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has a fair chance at success.

“Let us rise to the challenge together, shun division, and harness the spirit of unity and determination that defines us as a people. Together, we can shape our destiny and build bridges of hope and prosperity,” Umerah concluded.