Nigerians to decide if death penalty stays or goes– Kalu

THE GUARDIAN 

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu says the decision to abolish the practice of death penalty ultimately lies with the Nigerian citizens.

Kalu’s submission came amid a growing global push to abolish the death penalty.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Death Penalty Project, led by officials from the British High Commission, at his office in Abuja, Thursday evening, he emphasized the need for robust debate, collaboration, and engagement among stakeholders, acknowledging the diverse opinions on the matter.

He noted that over 130 countries around the world have abolished death penalty either in law or practice.

He said that overtime, laws in the country have taken into cognizance the temperature of the environment, adding that the current legal framework allows for capital punishment for offenses such as murder, armed robbery, and treason.

Kalu made reference to current statistics of death row inmates in the country and all over the world, saying that the figure underscores the pressing need for reform in the criminal justice system.

He disclosed that the Constitution Review Committee which he chairs has thoroughly examined the implications of the death penalty, considering not only the moral and ethical dimensions but also its practical effects on society.

To this end, he said that though there’s no bill before the House regarding the issue, the committee is looking into it, and one might be presented in no distance time for debate and for the public to make input and have the final say.