The Senate has passed the 2024 NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill, which includes the death penalty as a punishment for drug traffickers in the country. This decision was reached during the third reading of the bill.
According to Channels TV, the proposal was adopted on Thursday when the Senate convened into a committee of the whole to scrutinize the report presented by Senator Tahir Munguno, the Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters, and Drugs & Narcotics.
During the review of the penalty provisions, a suggestion to amend the bill and impose the death penalty instead of just a life sentence for drug traffickers was raised by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Peter Nwebonyi, under clause 11.
Although there was initial opposition, the Deputy Senate President ruled in favor of the amendment after a second vote, which sparked some displeasure among lawmakers, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
Despite objections, the Deputy Senate President upheld the ruling, citing procedural guidelines.
Additionally, the Senate initiated a review of the salaries, allowances, and fringe benefits of judicial office holders in Nigeria to combat bribery and corruption and ensure judicial independence. An executive bill aimed at prescribing salaries for judicial office holders at both federal and state levels passed the second reading and was referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters for further deliberation.
While the bill received unanimous support, some lawmakers advocated for a review of salaries and remuneration across other sectors in light of the current economic challenges. The bill is expected to be reviewed and reported back within four weeks.
