The Polish government, through Deputy Foreign Minister Jakub Wisniewski, on Friday appealed to Nigeria for the release of the detained individuals.
Regarding the allegation of waving the Russian flag, Wisniewski stated, “I find it difficult to believe. We are urging for their safe return home, where their families are anxiously awaiting them.”
Attempts by our correspondents to reach Professor Sławomir Żółtek, the head of Student Affairs and Quality of Teaching at the university, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
Professor Bola Akinterinwa, a former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, advised the Polish authorities to exercise patience. He commented, “The Polish government needs to be patient and allow the investigation to run its course. The security forces did not arrest the students at the school; they were detained on the street during a protest. The Nigerian government must conduct a thorough investigation. If, after the investigation, the Polish government believes that the students were not treated fairly, then they can intervene. Would they release foreign students while leaving Nigerians in detention?”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Poland, Omooba Ayoola, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to secure the release of the six students and their lecturer.
Ayoola, who resides in Warsaw, urged President Tinubu to use his influence to facilitate their release, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
In a statement on Saturday, Ayoola expressed regret, stating, “It is unfortunate that the Polish nationals were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
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