Nigerian monarch recommends death penalty for corrupt politicians
The goddess of justice "Justitia" with a stylized rope as a symbol of the death penalty
The Oluwo of Iwo in Osun State, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Akanbi, has proposed the adoption of capital punishment for corrupt leaders in Nigeria as a means to significantly reduce corruption in the country.
Speaking to journalists at his palace in Iwo on Thursday, Oba Akanbi emphasized that implementing such severe measures, akin to those seen in Saudi Arabia and China, would deter individuals from embezzling public funds.
He lamented the prevalent suffering endured by Nigerians despite the nation’s abundant human and material resources, attributing much of this hardship to corruption.
“What we can do now to nip corruption and kidnapping in the bud in the country is by introducing capital punishment, as it was done by the governments of Saudi Arabia and China.
“When capital punishment is put in place and implemented, people will be afraid of looting our commonwealth. I believe that is the way to go,” he said.
The Oluwo of Iwo added, “Money cannot get to Nigerians except through their governors, senators, house of representatives members and others. Revenues going to states now are unprecedented in the history of this country.
“Money accruing to the federal government after the fuel subsidy removal is being shared by all tiers of governments in Nigeria. The questions now are: Why are people becoming poorer? Why are Nigerians still hungry?”
The traditional ruler criticized the failure of governors and lawmakers to utilize the benefits of subsidy removal for the welfare of the populace. He called for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of government resources at all levels.
“A particular state in the South-South zone was said to have received over N437 billion between the time when fuel subsidy was removed and now, and yet, people are still hungry.
“All the elected and appointed political office holders are getting money, and yet, people are hungry,” he stated.
While acknowledging the current economic challenges, Oba Akanbi expressed confidence in the federal government’s efforts to address them and urged Nigerians to support one another during these difficult times.
