The Nigerian Senate has approved death sentence as a penalty for drug traffickers in the country. The Bill approving the penalty, on Thursday passes through the third reading. It is known as the 2024 NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill.
According to report, the proposal was adopted when the Senate dissolved into a committee of the whole for a clause-by-clause consideration of a report. The Bill was coordinated by the Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters and Drugs & Narcotics National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Senator Tahir Munguno.
Reviewing the penalty provisions of the amendment Bill towards strengthening the operations of NDLEA, a proposed amendment was moved. The amendment was to award a death sentence to drug traffickers rather than just a life sentence. The motioned was raised by the Senate Chief Whip and Sen. Peter Nwebonyi Under clause 11.
According to report, when the matter was put to a voice vote, it appeared the nays had it. However, when the question was put on a second vote, the Deputy Senate President ruled in favour of the i’s. A slight uproar ensued as some lawmakers were displeased.
However, Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed his displeasure over what he considered a hasty consideration and passage of the amended clause.
“The Deputy Senate President rejected an objection by Senator Oshiomhole to reverse the ruling. He insisted that Oshiomole’s objection came late, which is against the rules.
On same Thursday plenary, the Senate also commenced the review of salaries, allowances and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria. This is in the bid to curb bribery and corruption and ensure independence of the judiciary.
The executive bill seeking to prescribe the salaries of the judicial office holders both at the Federal and State levels scaled second reading on Thursday. When approved, the Bill is expected to nip in the bud, the prolonged stagnation in remuneration. It is expected to reflect the current socio-economic realities.
While unanimously embracing the Bill, some lawmakers, however, canvassed for a total review of salaries/ remuneration of Nigerians in other sectors. They argued that it has become imperative giving the current economic hardship in the country.
The bill was, thereafter, referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters. They are to report back to the House of whole in four weeks time.
source: Channels TV
