Only Death Penalty For Corruption, Financial Crimes Can Save Nigeria, Says Obla, Ex-Presidential Aide,
Ndifereke BASSEY
The former Senior Special Adviser to the President Buhari on prosecutions,Okoi Obono Obla, Esq, has advocated the death penalty for corruption in Nigeria, saying that it is the only to salvage the rising current wave of corrupt practices.
Chief Obla, who also served as Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property, SPIP, made the advocacy in Calabar during his keynote address at the 16th Ralph Opara Memorial Lecture organized by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS).
Obla at the lecture with the theme: "Sink or swim? Nigeria's future and the impact of corruption on the sociopolitical economy of Nigeria", said the country needs to wake up from slumber and tackle corruption headlong.
According to Obla, "one potential strategy to consider is the introduction of the
death penalty for specific categories of corruption and financial crimes.
"This severe measure could serve as a deterrent to those who engage in corrupt practices, thereby helping to mitigate the pervasive impact of corruption on society", he said.
He decried the paradox of Nigeria where some individuals are dedicated to protecting the country's interests while others engage in corrupt practices.
He emphasised that Nigeria must enhance its institutions, foster transparency
and accountability, and ensure that individuals involved in corruption face consequences for their actions.
In addition to this, he said a comprehensive overhaul of our cultural and attitudinal values
is necessary to address the root causes of corruption.
He stressed that NGOs, civil society groups, and the government must collaborate to create a society that values transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Dr. Joseph Oteri the NAS Cap'n, said the lecture series was instituted by the National Association of Seadogs in 2004 to immortalize the icon, Ralph Opara.
He said they hope to keep his faith alive by providing a medium to give vent to the views for which he stood steadfastly throughout his life.
He also said through the lecture, they hope to find answers to topical issues that can potentially blight Nigeria's future and development strides.
