The recent execution of four convicts in Edo State after seven years of moratorium on capital punishment in the country is defensible, the Federal Government has said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru made the disclosure on Friday in Abuja while speaking at a Consultative Forum on the upcoming review of human rights in the country under the United Nations Universal Period Review (UPR).
According to Ashiru, it is very possible that the Edo executions become a subject of controversy in October when the country takes its turn before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva for the periodic human rights review.
“The executions would not act as an impediment to tremendous improvements by government on human rights issues in the country,” Ashiru said, adding that state governments are autonomous and Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole acted within the confines of the law.
United Kingdom, United Nations and the European Union (EU) had condemned the June 24 executions in Edo, with EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton describing the action as negating recent commitment by the Nigerian government to abiding by the moratorium on executions.
