Dare Babalola
Social commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has slammed the Federal Government, alleging it is taking cues from foreign powers, particularly the United States, in its stance on the death penalty for terrorists and kidnappers, sparking concerns of external influence on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Shehu told Daily Post on Monday that the position of the President Bola Tinubu-led government sends a dangerous signal at a time when Nigerians are facing widespread insecurity, killings and abductions.
According to him, “When the Tinubu government openly opposes the death penalty for terrorists and kidnappers, it sends a clear message that foreign interests are in charge and dictating what Nigeria should do.”
In addition, the social commentator wondered the justification for sparing the lives of terrorists and bandits whose activities are based on violence, fear and the killing of innocent citizens.
“Common sense will see no reason, and will not accept any argument, in favour of sparing the lives of people whose main trade is to terrorise, incapacitate and kill innocent Nigerians,” he said.
Warning Nigerian lawmakers against supporting any move to remove the death penalty for terrorism and banditry, Shehu said such decisions could eventually affect them personally.
“Lawmakers who are tempted by money or threatened into accepting this unintelligent reasoning should remember that they, their parents, relations or loved ones may one day become victims of terrorism or banditry.
“And when that happens, they will watch helplessly as the perpetrators go home free,” he said.
Shehu also described as hypocritical what he called America’s opposition to the death penalty in Nigeria.
He noted that the United States still carries out executions for serious crimes within its own borders.
“It is ironic that America is opposing the death penalty in Nigeria, while they still execute offenders for similar or even lesser offences in their own country,” he said.
He went further to allege that foreign powers want Nigeria to remain unstable for economic reasons, claiming that insecurity could make the country vulnerable to external exploitation.
“America’s wish is for terrorists and bandits to overrun and destroy Nigeria so that we become like Sudan,” Shehu alleged.
“Then they will move in to feast on our endless deposits of rare earth minerals for selfish and greedy interests. Perish their thoughts.”
Shehu ended by calling on members of the National Assembly to be vigilant and put Nigeria’s security first.
“Lawmakers must open their eyes and be careful,” he warned.
