Fmr. SPIP prosecutor advocates death penalty for specific categories of corruption, financial crimes in Nigeria

The former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, (SPIP) under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, Esq, has described the purported ant-corruption stance of the rulling All-Progressives Congress (APC) government as an act of hypocrisy.

He advocated death penalty for corruption in Nigeria, contending that it is the only way to salvage the rising wave of corrupt practices in country.

The former prosecutor 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).

In the lecture themed: “Sink or swim? Nigeria’s future and the impact of corruption on the sociopolitical economy of Nigeria”, Obla said the country needs to wake up from slumber and tackle corruption head-on.

According to him, “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 emphasized that Nigeria must enhance its institutions, foster transparency and accountability, and ensure that individuals involved in corruption face consequences for their actions.

And in addition, he said a comprehensive overhaul of our cultural and attitudinal values is necessary to address the root causes of corruption stressing 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 vent 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 could potentially blight Nigeria’s future and development strides.

Cross River State Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey was present along with other dignitaries who graced the event.

By: Archibong Emmanuel

(Snr. Reporter)