Lawmaker Advocates Capital Punishment for Corrupt Politicians

Femi Durojaiye

Following the proposed capital punishment prescribed by the Nigerian senate for kidnappers, the Deputy Whip, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Omotayo Oduntan has also prescribed same punishment for corrupt politicians.

Oduntan made the call at a media parley held at the Assembly Complex in Ikeja, Lagos, while reacting to Senate’s prescription of death penalty for kidnappers.
The lawmaker, who decried the rising cases of kidnapping, said such step would deter many young people from engaging in the crime.

“I am in support of capital punishment for kidnappers. It will serve as deterrent to many who thought the crime is a way to make cheap money. It will reduce the rate of criminality, it is not normal at all for young people who think they can make quick money through kidnapping be engage in such crime,” she said.

The lawmaker urged the National Assembly to extend same punishment to politicians who embezzled public funds to serve as deterrent to others.
“As I am in support of capital punishment for kidnappers, politicians who embezzle public money should be given the same punishment to serve as deterrent to others who might want to toe that line.

“Criminality and corruption will reduce to the barest minimum with capital punishment. It is not normal to embezzle money that is meant for generation and the generations to come,” she said.

She, however, urged the Federal Government to provide jobs for citizens, stressing that the kidnappers saw the menace as a quick means of getting money.
According to the lawmaker, all efforts must be made to ensure that masses experience change in their socio-economic life.

She said, “I will advise all women in position of authority to be fair to people, be honest, be a good example to other women. They (women politicians) should be mirror of courage, good character, honesty and let them be committed to uplift the common man in the streets.”

Reacting to the crisis in the Edo State House of Assembly and emergence of a female Speaker, Mrs. Elizabeth Ative, Oduntan urged the new speaker to ensure she makes a good impact and leaves a good legacy behind.

The lawmaker urged the rich in the country to help the poor masses come out of hardship and suffering. She also urged the citizens to be patient with the President, expressing optimism that the economic would improve for the betterment of all.