Eighteen Nigerians have a date with the executioner tomorrow in the Asian state of Indonesia, except President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is currently on a visit to Nigeria, intervenes.
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday pleaded with his Indonesian counterpart to stop the execution of the Nigerians who were convicted for drug-related offences.
He was yet to give any commitment before the two leaders went for a state dinner last night in Abuja.
Apart from the 18, 30 other Nigerians are on the death row in that country for drug trafficking.
Jonathan, who made the plea during a bilateral discussion with the Indonesian President in Abuja, demanded a bilateral tie on exchange of prisoners by both countries.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, in a tweet last night said his principal was concerned about the planned execution.
Abati said: “President Jonathan requested for a stay of execution of Nigerians on death row in Indonesia while both explore agreement on exchange of prisoners.
“Both leaders agreed to support each other also on the basis of reciprocity for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the period 2014/2015-2016.
“They discussed re-election of Kanayo Nwanze of IFAD and candidature of Mari Pangestu for DG WTO and agreed to support each other’s candidate.
“The presidents pledged to work together towards attaining a more balanced and mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia. The two presidents agreed that Nigeria and Indonesia will share best practices and capacity building in the achievement of MDGs.