FG sends delegation to plead for Nigerians on death row overseas

[MrVan]

By VICTORIA OJEME Abuja

The Federal Government said it has sent a 2- man delegation to Indonesia to plead for clemency on behalf of 17 Nigerians sentenced to die by hanging by Indonesian court for drug trafficking offences.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru disclosed this yesterday in Abuja during the Ministerial press briefing to mark the one year anniversary of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Minister also urged Nigerians traveling abroad to desist from acts that run foul of the law of their host countries, in view of the consequences of such  on the image of Nigeria, as well as on their successful stay in such countries.

According to him, "what we have as the number of people on death row in Indonesia , which have been bandied around is not correct. I believe we have about 17 and we have been appealing to the government of Indonesia for clemency. We are still waiting.  In fact, I have sent a delegation of two to go on tour of all the countries: Malaysia , Indonesia , China, where we are having Nigerians in prison. They have gone around to see to their welfare, to see to their problems, so we are concerned.

He stated that, beyond appeal for clemency, Nigeria mission abroad often provide legal representation for such Nigerians once they are charged to court, saying, "there is nothing the federal government can do if you are caught with drugs on your body, if you are taken to court our embassy officials will be there they will watch the proceedings.

"At times we even provide legal services and so on to defend you but by the time you are found guilty and sentenced to death, all we can do as a government is to appeal for clemency that is all we can do. It is left for the government to consent or not so my own position is that Nigerians should not carry drugs please,  let us leave it in the past and start on a new beginning."

 

Vanguard Nigeria