Rehabilitation of Ex-Terrorists: “FG Rewarding Killers While Innocent Nigerians Rot in Jail” — Peter Ekwueme

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Anambra South senatorial candidate, Peter Ekwueme, has criticised the Federal Government’s rehabilitation of former terrorists under Operation Safe Corridor, describing the initiative as unjust.

Speaking to SK Blog, Ekwueme questioned the rationale behind reintegrating individuals involved in violent extremism while many detainees remain in custody without trial.

“Tinubu’s government is rewarding killers of Nigerians who should be handed capital punishment, while some innocent citizens are still in detention awaiting trial,” he said. “Is this even a country? I am deeply disturbed.”

He argued that the policy creates unequal standards in the treatment of offenders, asking why similar rehabilitation opportunities are not extended to other groups.

“Where are the repentant IPOB members being rehabilitated?” he asked. “Any action or group that takes innocent lives must be condemned, regardless of its label. We cannot abandon justice for political convenience.”

Ekwueme described Operation Safe Corridor as “the institutionalisation of injustice,” urging authorities to discontinue the programme.

“How do you claim to fight terrorism while accommodating those responsible?” he said. “They are received, fed, clothed, and protected, with prospects of government support. That sends the wrong message and weakens deterrence.”

He added that the approach could undermine efforts to curb insecurity by failing to impose consequences on perpetrators of violence.

According to him, public resources should instead be directed toward reforming the justice system.

“I strongly suggest the government redirects funds from this programme to prison decongestion and the speedy trial of inmates awaiting trial,” he stated.

Ekwueme also questioned the criteria used to determine when individuals are considered rehabilitated.

“By what standards are they declared ‘repentant’? If forgiveness is based on repentance, why is it selectively applied?” he said.

His remarks come amid ongoing debate over the Federal Government’s deradicalisation strategy, which combines military operations with rehabilitation and reintegration efforts aimed at reducing insurgency in the country.