Academic Calls for Death Penalty as a Deterrent to Corruption

The Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Professor Salihu Ogbo Usman, has urged for a revision and modification of the constitution to incorporate capital punishment, including the death penalty, for corruption and corrupt activities in the nation.

Professor Usman made these assertions on Wednesday while presenting the 37th inaugural lecture at the Federal University Lokoja, which was titled: "Corruption Versus Corruption: Unpacking the Wuru-Wuru of Anti-Corruption Crusade in Nigeria."

He pointed out that every layer of Nigeria’s socio-political and economic landscape experiences corruption, leading to moral decline, a loss of values, and diminished self-esteem among citizens both domestically and abroad.

The Professor emphasized that the corrupt practices have tarnished Nigeria's image and that of its populace to a point where protests labeled "Nigeria Must Go" have emerged in some African nations.

He stated, "Certain European officials have exploited the pervasive corruption to serve their interests in the country, denigrating it with remarks such as: 'Nigeria has an excellent relationship with corruption,' 'the poverty capital of Africa,' and 'a troubled nation.'"

“This serves as a disheartening reminder that a nation like Nigeria, which claims to be the 'giant of Africa,' has been reduced to a stumbling giant due to the mismanagement of its valuable natural resources, resulting in its citizens facing threats and deportations from neighboring African countries that are relatively less endowed,” he explained.

He continued by suggesting that for Nigeria to effectively combat corruption, the nation should emulate several countries recognized for their low corruption perception indices which impose capital punishment as part of their judicial systems.

Additionally, he called for the establishment of Centers or Institutes focused on the Study of Corruption in Nigerian universities. He urged Nigerians to reject any politicization of the presidential clemency granted to individuals convicted of corruption-related crimes and advocated for a revival of indigenous oath-taking traditions to be recognized and formalized.

"The current oath-taking procedures defer accountability to the afterlife. Nigeria can be restored before that time through legal frameworks that necessitate the integration of local oath-taking practices," he stated.

In his comments, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, remarked that the timing of the lecture is critical given the nation's ongoing struggle with corruption and its associated complexities.

He noted, "The theme we are discussing mirrors our actual experiences. It compels us to look beyond mere slogans and headlines and to scrutinize the systems, motivations, and practices that influence our efforts against corruption.

"Most importantly, it reminds us that the battle against corruption is not solely the government's responsibility. As an academic institution, we have a duty to actively participate in addressing corruption at its roots.

"Through our education, our research, our administration, and our everyday interactions, we must exemplify principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We must cultivate a generation that not only denounces corruption verbally, but also rejects it in action.”

Similarly, Kogi State Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo characterized the 37th Inaugural Lecture of the Federal University as a pivotal moment for reflecting on Nigeria's governance challenges.

Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, the governor noted that corruption continues to hinder the nation by weakening institutions and hindering progress.

He added, "The fight against corruption must be genuine and candid; when it is fueled by political agendas or personal motives, it undermines public confidence."

The governor assured the Federal University Lokoja of ongoing support and cooperation, affirming that education, research, and knowledge are powerful instruments in combating corruption, ignorance, and underdevelopment.