Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has urged the federal government to impose capital punishment on drug traffickers to combat the growing drug menace in Nigeria. Obi made the call on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, emphasizing the need for stringent punishment to deter traffickers.
He also advocated for rehabilitation programs for those struggling with drug addiction, stating that with commitment and sincerity, Nigeria can become a drug-free nation.
The Senate had previously suggested the death penalty as the maximum punishment for drug trafficking, a move aimed at deterring traffickers and addressing Nigeria’s growing drug problem.
Nigeria has become a major producer, consumer, and distributor of illegal drugs, with widespread opioid abuse and trafficking of drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine.
While some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the death penalty’s irreversible nature and potential for wrongful convictions, the proposal aims to tackle the drug menace head-on.
The bill, which has passed in the House of Representatives without the death penalty provision, requires reconciliation between Senate and House versions before reaching President Bola Tinubu for approval.
