Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, a Nigerian national who has been detained in the Republic of Benin for nearly two years, has a declining health status, which has deeply alarmed the Federal Government.
The government said in a statement released on Tuesday by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, that the detained cleric from Cross River State was being held in a hospital in Cotonou under dehumanizing conditions, and that his health had continued to deteriorate.
“For approximately two years, Pastor Egbaji, a businessman and cleric from Cross River State, has been held in a Cotonou hospital under dehumanizing conditions as his health continues to deteriorate,” the statement said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly urged Beninese authorities to free Pastor Egbaji right away so that he can get the medical attention he needs and, if required, carry out his sentence in Nigeria in a humane manner.
Egbaji’s health was steadily deteriorating, which worried the government, according to Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who stated diplomatic measures had been made to secure his transfer to Nigeria.
According to conversations with the Nigerian Mission in Cotonou, Pastor Egbaji’s health is deteriorating progressively, necessitating immediate and appropriate medical care, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated.
“The Ministry has worked hard to save him in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda’s citizen diplomacy tenets.”
A Minister laments the delay. By Benin Authorities Nigeria has already asked for Pastor Egbaji’s relocation for medical care and rehabilitation, according to Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who accompanied Benin’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olushegun Bakari during their visit to Cotonou earlier in August.
However, she criticized Benin’s administration for taking so long to address the problem and urged them to act more quickly.
“Nigeria is concerned about the Benin authorities’ slow response to the situation and their refusal to comply with our request,” the minister said.
Noting that the two countries have a long history of cordial relations, cultural links, and respect for one another, she emphasized that the request was made in good faith.
She continued, “This humanitarian act should be guided by the longstanding cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, which are based on a shared cultural heritage, bonds of trust, and brotherhood.”
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s stance was further strengthened in an official letter addressed to the Benin government, which reiterated its demand that Egbaji be freed or transferred to Nigeria for proper medical treatment.
She promised to keep up diplomatic efforts until the issue is settled in conformity with international human rights standards.
“Our dedication to safeguarding the welfare and rights of all Nigerians overseas remains unwavering. She stated that no American should be forced to endure hardship in a foreign country without access to legal or medical assistance.
