CD Faults AGF’s Opposition To Death Sentence  For Bandits

By Ayodele Oni

The Campaign for Democracy, (CD) has doubted the Federal Government’s sincerity in the war against banditry.

CD premised its position on the objection of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi to move by the Senate to legalize death sentence for bandits.

CD expressed strong reservation to the position taken by  Fagbemi, who openly opposed a proposal by the Senate to amend Nigeria’s anti-terrorism law.

The proposed amendment seeks to prescribe the death penalty, without the option of a fine, for all kidnapping-related offenses, which CD believes is a glaring indication of the federal government’s lack of resolve to confront terrorism and kidnapping head-on in Nigeria.

A statement by Ifeanyi Odili, national president of body, stated that “While CD acknowledges that Mr. Fagbemi is entitled to his opinion, it firmly asserts that his views do not align with the interests of the Nigerian people.

“We call on Mr. Fagbemi to provide clarity on his assertion that the death penalty could be counterproductive and undermine international cooperation.

“Specifically, we question what international cooperation he is referring to, given that our collaboration with international bodies has already suffered due to perceived inadequacies in addressing banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.

“It is disconcerting that such a statement emanates from a government representative, especially in full view of lawmakers and the Nigerian populace.

“Any punitive measure short of the death penalty for kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism will only exacerbate insecurity in Nigeria.

“The Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act is overdue for amendment to include the death sentence as a deterrent.

“Furthermore, Mr. Fagbemi’s argument that Nigeria must uphold the moral authority of the State and that punishments should be firm yet reversible in light of new evidence is misplaced and unwarranted.

“Capital punishment for crimes such as murder, illegal possession of firearms, and related offenses is well-established in Nigeria.

“We therefore urge Mr. Fagbemi to reconsider his stance and support the bill, as his opposition undermines the integrity and seriousness of the Nigerian government’s fight against kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry, and, by extension, misdirects the efforts of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

“On this note, the Campaign for Democracy (CD) commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ordering the withdrawal of VIP security details, deeming it a positive and long-overdue move.

“CD observes that top government officials often render mere lip service to the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, largely because they are shielded by the very security personnel tasked with safeguarding Nigerians and securing our borders.”