...urges FG to urgently explore diplomatic means to help its citizen
By Lubem Gena, Abuja
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA) and a coalition of several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have frowned at the continuous detention of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji whom they say has been falsely accused and unjustly detained in Benin Republic.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja today, the leader of the Centre and coalition, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu described the incident as a shocking display of injustice and what could be called an “SOS, # SAVE PASTOR BENJAMIN EGBAJI, a Nigerian citizen hailing from Cross River, finds himself languishing behind bars in the Republic of Benin for over a year without trial in chains even in the hospital. He is being held under false, baseless, and spurious allegations, while his health deteriorates rapidly”.
“The accusations against Pastor Benjamin were made by Pede Victoire, a citizen of the Republic of Benin. She claimed that Pastor Benjamin had raped her daughter, Ahouandjinou Dona Sarah, when she was just 13 years old. However, it is important to note that this claim was never reported or complained about, and no evidence has been presented to substantiate these allegations.
“The situation took a surprising turn when Sarah herself came forward and refuted the claim of rape”, Dr. Nwambu added.
According to Dr. Nwambu, Pastor Benjamin who is hypertensive runs the risk of losing his life if no urgent and responsible step is taken to release him to receive proper medical attention.
“As a hypertensive patient, his blood pressure has shot up to 254/136 prompting the medical director in Central National Hospital Universitare Hubert K. Maga (pictures and video available for the press) to raise an alarm that if Pastor Benjamin is not released for proper diagnosis and treatment within a forth night, something more tragic might happen to his patient.
“Attempts to secure bail for the Nigerian, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji has hit the bricks because the Nigerian Government is yet to do the needful to save this Nigerian in a dare and urgent need for medical attention and justice. Although, the head of the Nigerian Consular, Republic of Benin has led a delegation to visit the pastor where he is been held in custody and has sent a note verbal to the Nigerian government to authorize them to engage with the government of Benin to secure his immediate release, but the requisite response is yet to be activated by the Federal Government of Nigeria”, he stated.
The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, in collaboration with a coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria, urgently calls for immediate action to ensure justice is served and Pastor Benjamin Egbaji is released from unjust and harrowing detention in the Republic of Benin.
Given the harrowing circumstances surrounding Pastor Benjamin’s case, Dr. Nwambu said it is imperative that the following urgent actions be taken using several conventional approaches.
To the Federal Government of Nigeria, he appealed to her to swiftly utilize all diplomatic ties and channels available to secure the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji in view of the urgent need to prevent further violation of Pastor Benjamin’s rights and ensure his immediate freedom.
As regards, international diplomatic pressure, the group, “call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to directly intervene and exert International diplomatic pressure on the Republic of Benin to secure the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. It is imperative that President Tinubu understands the gravity of this situation and utilizes his influence to facilitate Pastor Benjamin’s immediate release”.
Other measures proposed by the group to salvage the situation include independent and thorough investigation into the allegations; request for Pastor Benjamin Egbaji to be transferred to a better-equipped medical facility without delay; urging Nigerian government to provide unwavering support and assistance in securing the release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji.
“The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, along with our coalition of civil society organizations, remains committed to fighting for justice and the immediate release of Pastor Benjamin Egbaji. We urge the Nigerian government to act swiftly and decisively, utilizing all resources at their disposal to rectify this grave injustice”, they concluded.
