Abuja — MOVES by Nigeria to extradite exiled former Liberian President Mr. Charles Taylor to his country further intensified yesterday in Abuja with the issue dominating talks between President Olusegun Obasanjo and his South African counterpart, Mr. Thabo Mbeki.

Daily Champion recalls that Mbeki was the chairman of the African Union (AU) negotiating team that brokered the deal that got Taylor out of Liberia in August, 2003.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United States of America (USA) also participated in facilitating the agreement.

However, the closed-door meeting between President Obasanjo and Mbeki lasted several hours at the Akinola Aguda House, Presidential Villa.

Though both leaders reportedly discussed bilateral issues, the planned extradition of Mr. Taylor was also extensively discussed.

The latest consultation may not be unconnected with the request by the new Liberian President, Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf to have Mr. Taylor back in the country.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Mrs. Oluremi Oyo confirmed that Obasanjo and hsi South African counterpart met over the Taylor matter on Sunday.

She explained that the meeting was a private one where bilateral issues were on the agenda, but added that Mr. Taylor's matter also came up for discussion.

Although the ex-warlord was not at the meeting, there were indications that arrangements may have been made for President Mbeki to meet face-to-face with the latter before his (Mbeki's) return today.

Taylor has been in Nigeria since August 2003 following asylum granted him by the federal government and has since then settled in Calabar, Cross River State.

Last Wednesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Frank Nweke Jnr told newsmen in Abuja that possible extradition of Taylor to Liberia was discussed recently by Obasanjo and Ellen-Johnson Sirleaf the newly elected president of Liberia, when the latter visited Nigeria.

He further hinted that both leaders might reach a compromise on the issue soon.

President Obasanjo had on February 26 held talks with Mr. Taylor at the Presidential Lounge of the Murtla Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr. Taylor is wanted in his country to face war crime charges against him by the United Nations Tribunal on Sierra Leone.