Eko Hot Blog reports that in a bold move to combat the pervasive issue of corruption in Nigeria, Mr. Kanmi Ajibola, the member representing Oriade State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, has written to the leadership of the National Assembly, demanding the introduction of the death penalty as a punishment for corruption offenses.
Ajibola’s five-page letter, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, argued that the level of corruption in the country has reached a critical point, necessitating drastic measures to curb the menace.
“As a human rights activist, I should not be thinking of capital punishment to curb or drastically minimize corruption in Nigeria, but for the fact that the acts of the few leaders that are corrupt are leading to the death of their innocent subjects, I think this is the only way and the hard way,” Ajibola stated in his letter.
The former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilesa Branch, lamented the enormous resources the country has lost due to corruption, asserting that if these funds had been properly utilized, Nigeria would not be grappling with infrastructure deficits.
Citing Sections 4(1) and (3) of the Constitution, Ajibola emphasized that it is within the purview of the National Assembly to enact laws that would help curb corrupt practices among citizens. He declared that the existing anti-corruption laws and acts in Nigeria are not yielding the desired results, underscoring the need for the introduction of capital punishment.
“It is an axiomatic fact that if this stealing spree continually persists unchecked, the country will ultimately end up in an untimely grave. To prevent the sudden and untimely death of Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution has empowered the National Assembly with this responsibility to make laws for the peace, order, and good government of the federation,” the letter stated.
Ajibola urged the National Assembly’s leadership to act swiftly, stating, “Within the thirty days of the receipt of this letter, I plead with the National Assembly to perform this public duty to save Nigeria by introducing the penalty clause of capital punishment into our anti-corruption laws and acts.”
The lawmaker’s call for the death penalty as a deterrent against corruption has ignited a heated debate, with proponents arguing that it could serve as a strong deterrent and help restore accountability and transparency in public affairs. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential for abuse and the violation of human rights principles.
As the discourse continues, all eyes are on the National Assembly’s response to Ajibola’s proposal, which could potentially reshape Nigeria’s approach to combating corruption if implemented.
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