The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has called on the Federal Government to enter into Mutual Legal Agreement (MLA) with Asian countries, to prevent further execution of Nigerians.
Mr Frank Tiete, the Executive Director of CASER, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.
He said that Nigerians on death row on drug-related offences in Indonesia and other Asian countries could be saved via such a treaty
NAN recalls that two Nigerians and five others from Brazil, Indonesia, Malawi, the Netherlands and Vietnam were recently executed in Indonesia for drug trafficking.
No fewer than 12 other Nigerians are on death row in Indonesia, while some others face same penalty in Malaysia.
"Indonesia went ahead and executed those Nigerians despite several pleas for clemency from the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
"Indonesia was not bound by any treaty to accept such pleas, but if Nigeria had an MLA with Indonesia, the convicts would have been brought back to face mitigated sentences.’’
Tiete cautioned youths against inordinate quest for wealth which lead to drug trafficking, thereby denting the image of the country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had in a statement signed by the spokesperson, Ogbole Amedu Ode, condemned the execution and consoled the families of the victims.
"The Federal Government seizes this opportunity to express its sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased.
"It reiterates its appeal to all Nigerians to desist from drug trafficking, which attracts capital punishment in Indonesia and in many other countries around the world.''
The statement said government would continue to engage the Indonesian authorities to negotiate and conclude a Prisoner Transfer Agreement, to enable other convicted Nigerians serve their prison terms at home.
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