Omu-Aran - An Islamic Scholar, Sheik AbdulAzeez Shitu, on Saturday said the
adoption of the death penalty by the National Assembly would be
helpful in fighting terrorism and kidnapping in Nigeria.
Shittu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Kwara, that
the adoption was a bold step and commitment by the assembly in
curtailing the menace of terrorism and kidnapping.
Shittu who is also the chief missioner of the Islamic Development
Association (IDYON), observed that terrorism and kidnapping had done
much to damage the image of the country.
''It is not enough for the two arms of the National Assembly to adopt
the bill on death penalty for the act of terrorism, kidnapping and
other related offences.
''The other hurdles which needed to be crossed is for the government
to have a strong political will in giving accent to the bill and
promptly too.
''Another major hurdle is for the judiciary to be alive to
its responsibilities in exercising its wide powers in adjudication to
achieve the desired results.
The Islamic cleric said the death penalty became relevant and
necessary going by the critical circumstances the country had found
itself in global terrorism.
He said that past experience had shown that successful military
administrations in some states were forced to resort to execution of
armed robbers before robbery was drastically reduced.
''You cannot approach a critical issue such as terrorism with a
lighter hand, especially when those involved are faceless and without
specific target for dialogue.
''Although dialogue remains the best alternative to resolving any
dispute, you can only achieve result when the aggrieved party is
identifiable to ensure dialogue.
He urged the House of Assembly in each state to emulate the National
Assembly in enacting laws that would assist law enforcement agencies in
their assignment.
''This is the only way we can adequately secure lives and property of the citizenry and ensure national development,” he said.
- NAN