News Investigators/ The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has recommended stakeholders’ engagement on death penalty in the ongoing Constitution amendment process.
Kalu made this submission on Friday in Abuja while hosting a delegation from the Death Penalty Project, led by officials from the British High Commission.
The deputy speaker said that amid a growing global push to abolish the death penalty, the decision to abolish the practice ultimately lied with the totality of Nigerian citizens.
He emphasised the need for robust debate, collaboration and engagement among stakeholders, acknowledging the diverse opinions on the matter.
He said that more 130 countries around the world have abolished death penalty either in law or practice.
Kalu said that though there was no bill on the abolishment of death penalty in the house, the house was mulling a debate on the need for a legal framework.
“Internationally, there is a growing trend toward the abolition of the death penalty, with more than 130 countries having abolished it in law or practice.
“This shift reflects a global understanding that justice must incorporate rehabilitation and restorative practices rather than solely punitive measures.
“We are willing to collaborate with you and have further engagements as we know that aligning our laws with international best practices enhances Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.
“There is no bill before the House of Representatives at the moment to address this issue as we speak, but there is an intention for us to have conversations around it.
“I am trying to give it legal framework by presenting it as a bill; we are considering presenting it before the parliament for debate, for us to know whether or not is what our society needs at the moment,” he said.
Kalu said that the bill, when introduced, would pass through various stages of public hearing to allow the public make contribution on the subject matter.
According to him, the lawmakers are positive that their willingness to engage further on this discussion will send a clear message that they are committed to upholding human rights and ensuring that Nigeria’s criminal justice system reflects fairness and proportionality
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Saul LeurFeund, Co-founder and Co-Executive Director of Death Penalty Project, said that the visit was to seek the parliament’s collaboration on potential abolishment of death penalty in Nigeria.
He said that great progress had been seen in Zimbabwe which abolished death penalty on New Year’s Eve.
He said that it would be helpful to have a conversation around death penalty in Nigeria with a view to abolishing it.
“It will be helpful to bring partners together to discuss potential abolishment; to see if we can change discussion around death penalty.
“So, we want to bring our experience and to discuss with you, the possibility on how the Constitution can be amended, and anything we can do to provide technical support,” he said.
NAN