Appeals for Enhanced Medical Facilities for Nigerian Detainees
By Desmond Akawor
Nigerian Ambassador to Korea
Shortly after my arrival in the Republic of Korea, I visited Nigerians who were detained in Daejeon and Daegu detention centers.
Apparently at least two of them were in deteriorating condition of health ― one currently suffering from hypertension/high blood and the other from Behcets disease (a skin disease) which needed to be treated at a more experienced clinic.
I appeal to the Korean government to give Nigerian detainees more enhanced medical treatment and care.
Guardianship of foreign residents is one of the focal points of the foreign policy of the current administration of President Umaru Musa Yar'adua, known as ``citizen-centered'' policy.
According to him, as the principal representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to South Korea, the welfare of Nigerians abroad is of great importance vis-a-vis the protection of Nigeria's image.
On my trips, the Minister of Chancery J. O. Akinola; F. N. Enya, second secretary and Alex Olabanji, vice president of the Nigerian community in Korea accompanied me.
During my visit to Daejeon Correctional Center, I met with five Nigerians who were convicted for drug related offences raging from one to six years. I noted that most of them would complete their jail terms by the end of 2009.
All the inmates informed us that they were doing well and that their rights were not being violated.
With such a claim by the inmates in the Daejeon detention center, I expressed gratitude to the Korean government that there was no record/report of maltreatment on Nigerians by the Korean security agent.
I seized the opportunity to inform them that the bilateral relations between Korea and Nigeria have been very cordial and assured them of maintaining the subsisting relationship.
In the same vein, I visited Daegu Correctional Center where two Nigerians were detained for credit card fraud and drug related issues.
I advised them to do genuine business in Korea and to disassociate themselves from illicit business, which could mar the growing bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.