Updated: Don't execute Nigerians on death row, Jonathan begs Indonesia's president

President Goodluck Jonathan may have succumbed to the pressure from the National Assembly by formally requesting the visiting President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia to stay action on the execution of Nigerians on the death row in his country for involvement in illicit drug trafficking,
The President has been under intense pressure of late from the legislators to intervene.
Several Nigerians are on the death row in foreign countries for drug related and other criminal offences.
President Jonathan made the special request for stay of execution on Saturday evening during bilateral talks with his Indonesian counterpart at the State House, Abuja.
Present at the bilateral talks, which lasted about 30 minutes, were: the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru; Petroleum Resources, Dezani Alison-Madueke; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke; Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah; and National Planning, Samusdeen Usman.
A communique was issued at the end of the talks though both presidents addressed a joint press conference without entertaining question from newsmen.
Both leaders condemned drug abuse and illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their chemical precursors.
They welcomed the signing of the MOU to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in narcotics drugs, psych tropic substances and their chemical precursors.
The communique reads in part: “The two leaders noted, with concern, the increasing number of Nigerians in detention, jails and death rows in Indonesia for drug related offended and financial crimes.
“In that regard, the president of Nigeria requested his Indonesian counterpart for 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.”
Other issues discussed were how to counter terrorism through military cooperation and boosting economic ties between both countries.
The communique states further: “The two Heads of State agreed to encourage of visits by officials in the Defencem and Security sectors with a view to boosting cooperation in these areas with a view to developing their respective strategic industries.
“The two leader noted that Indonesia and Nigeria are among important troops countries to UN Peace Keeping Missions. To further enhance. The two countries’ contribution and capacity building in peace keeping operations the two presidents agreed to have a closer cooperation between the peace-keeping centers of both countries in order to encourage sharing of experience and best practices, as well as exchange of visit by trainers and experts.
“The two leader discussed the conflicts in Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and the Sahel, and the correlation between these and the war on terror. They shared the view that terrorism remains a global Security threat. They therefore agreed to foster closer bilateral partnership to address this threat by cooperating closely in exchange of information, training and education as well as sharing of best practices.
“In the areas of Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation, “both leaders agreed to encourage contacts between their respective countries National Chamber of Commerce.”
They also expressed determination to encourage agriculture cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of cocoa, palm oil, and rubber plantations as well as revival of groundnut cultivation in northern Nigeria.