The lawmaker representing Ondo South, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has called for the public execution of corrupt politicians as a means to curb widespread theft in Nigeria.
Ibrahim made the controversial statement in response to the public outcry following President Bola Tinubu’s recent request for a $2.2 billion loan.
President Tinubu had written to the National Assembly on Tuesday, seeking approval for external borrowing to address national financial needs.
The proposal has sparked criticism, particularly due to concerns over Nigeria’s growing debt and the misuse of borrowed funds in the past.
During an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Senator Ibrahim expressed his belief that the only way to eradicate corruption in the country was through harsh punitive measures, such as public execution of corrupt officials.
He was responding to questions about Nigerians’ growing skepticism regarding the handling of public funds.
When asked about the trust deficit related to borrowing, with concerns that funds might end up in the pockets of individuals instead of benefiting the nation, Ibrahim suggested that strict measures be put in place to ensure accountability. He proposed that if the National Assembly approves a borrowing plan, a law should be enacted stipulating that anyone who misappropriates borrowed funds would face public execution.
Ibrahim argued that such a law would create a strong deterrent, encouraging politicians and public officials to act responsibly with national resources. His comments reflect the deep frustration many Nigerians feel regarding corruption and the misuse of public funds, and his call for drastic action highlights the ongoing debate about how to address the country’s governance challenges.
When the Interviewer asked, “Borrowing in the past and why Nigerians may be pessimistic is the trust deficit in those who are handling those funds borrowed in this country that have landed in the pocket of individuals enriching themselves and their family.
“How do you then think that Nigerians should wake up one morning and then think that the nation should be impoverished the more when some of this money goes to the pocket of individuals?”
Ibrahim responded, “let me help Nigerians in that regard because of the future. I agree with you and I will come to that, but if you list 50 items to which you want to borrow $100 billion, and you bring it to the National Assembly we pass the law that anyone who spends outside the items listed in this schedule shall face public execution. Then people will run away from stealing.”
