In a firm stance, Osun State lawmaker Kanmi Ajibola argues that imposing the death penalty on those who loot public funds is the key to Nigeria overcoming its current challenges.
Ajibola has taken legal action against both the National Assembly and the Houses of Assembly in all 36 states, urging them to enact legislation that would see death as the punishment for those who engage in corrupt practices.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ilesa branch, Ajibola remains resolute in his pursuit of justice, highlighting the failure of the Senate President and the House of Representatives Speaker to respond to his letter within 30 days.
Filing a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Osogbo, Ajibola presented five reliefs supported by a detailed 53-paragraph affidavit, emphasizing that the legislative bodies have the authority to introduce bills and amend existing laws to accommodate the severe penalties he proposes for corrupt officials.
Quoting various legal experts to reinforce his argument, Ajibola, acknowledging that even as a politician he would be subject to such laws, deplored the extensive looting of trillions of Naira by public figures, pushing Nigeria to the brink of collapse.
He criticized the prevalent practice of offering amnesty to corrupt individuals who switch political allegiances, resulting in the stalling of many corruption cases involving prominent figures like Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Governor David Umahi, and Senator Uzoh Kalu.
Ajibola also referenced high-profile cases such as those of the late General Sani Abacha and former Delta State Governor James Ibori, illustrating the detrimental impact of plea bargaining and the Attorney General’s discretionary powers in combating corruption.
Pointing to China’s successful integration of capital punishment in their anti-corruption laws, Ajibola advocated for similar stringent measures to elevate Nigeria and safeguard its democracy against rampant corruption.
He stressed the pressing need for effective legislation to restore peace, governance, and accountability in Nigeria, highlighting the constitutional and moral obligation of all sectors of society to address the pervasive corruption that threatens the nation’s stability.
Citing relevant sections of the Nigerian constitution, Ajibola sought the court’s intervention through an Order of Mandamus to compel lawmakers to fulfill their duty of enacting laws that prescribe death sentences for those involved in looting public funds.