Nearly two days after Indonesia’s execution by firing squad of 8 convicted drug traffickers, including four Nigerians, the Federal Government yesterday condemned the decision of the country to carry out the death sentences despite worldwide appeals.
Indonesian authorities had, Tuesday executed eight people, including four Nigerians, convicted for drug offences. The execution of a ninth convict, a woman from the Philippines, was postponed at the last minute.
The four Nigerians executed include Martins Anderson, 50, who was charged with possession of heroin, and Okwudili Oyatanze, 41, also charged for smuggling heroin. Jamiu Abashin, 50, was also executed for smuggling heroin, while Sylvester Nwolise, 42, was also executed for the same offence.
“The Foreign Affairs ministry has been on it before the execution. It is unfortunate that any of our citizens will have to be killed like that. We do not agree with what Indonesia did like any other person. And we also seize this opportunity to advise Nigerians travelling abroad that these countries made it clear when they issue visas, is there in red “penalty for drug trafficking is death”. Please let us beware, it’s for us to respect because that is their law, they will not bulge, they will not shift. In as much as we also condemn we also advise and we plead with Nigerians outside to desist from carrying drugs, the ultimate end is firing squad,” said Akwashiki shortly after the Federal Executive Council meeting, Wednesday.