The Senate, during its third reading, approved the death sentence as a penalty for drug traffickers in the country as part of the 2024 National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (Amendment) Bill.
The proposal was adopted on Thursday when the Senate dissolved into a committee of the whole for a clause-by-clause consideration of a report by Senator Tahir Munguno, the Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters, and Drugs & Narcotics National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
During the review of the penalty provisions of the amendment bill aimed at strengthening the operations of the agency, a proposed amendment to impose the death sentence on drug traffickers instead of a life sentence was raised by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Peter Nwebonyi, under clause 11.
Initially, it seemed that the “nays” had it when the matter was put to a voice vote. However, after a second vote, the Deputy Senate President ruled in favor of the “ayes,” leading to a slight uproar as some lawmakers expressed displeasure.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole voiced his dissatisfaction with what he considered the hasty consideration and passage of the amended clause. However, the Deputy Senate President rejected an objection by Senator Oshiomhole to reverse the ruling, citing that it was raised late, against the rules.
In addition to this, the upper chamber also began a review of the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria. The aim is to curb bribery and corruption and ensure the independence of the judiciary.
An executive bill seeking to prescribe the salaries of judicial office holders at both the federal and state levels passed its second reading on Thursday. It aims to address the prolonged stagnation in remuneration to reflect current socio-economic realities.
Although the bill was unanimously embraced, some lawmakers suggested that, given the current economic hardship, the salaries/remuneration of Nigerians in other sectors should also be reviewed.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters to report back within four weeks.
