When the Indonesian President, Susilo Yudhoyona, came on a state visit Saturday, President Goodluck Jonathan took the opportunity to ask for a stay of execution for Nigerians on death row in the Asian country.
President Jonathan requested that both nations explore avenues for exchange of prisoners and legal assistance, and for convicted Nigerians in Indonesia to be given a reprieve.
The statement released by Nigeria's Presidential Spokes-person, Reuben Abati reads, "The two leaders noted, with concern, the increasing number of Nigerians in detention, jails and death rows in Indonesia for drug-related offences and financial crimes,
"In that regard, the President of Nigeria appealed to his Indonesian counterpart for a stay of execution of those on death row while the two countries explore opportunities, for an agreement of exchange of prisoners and mutual legal assistance between the two countries."
While both countries signed an MOU to vigorously combat drug trade between the countries, the press statement DID NOT say whether or not Jonathan's request had been accepted.
Bad news for those Nigerians on death row. They can't ask for more from their president; The man has made the move, and now, it remains to be seen if Indonesia will acquiesce.
The Federal Government has realized that the deterrent of death is not enough to keep die-hard Nigerians from trooping into Indonesia with drugs. . . However, it cannot stand idly by and watch as another nation takes the lives of its citizens.
We hope concerted underground efforts will be made to save the lives of the convicted. . .
. . . However unworthy those lives may be.
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