Senate to Review Death Penalty Bill for Drug Offences–Says Ikpea
By Sarah Kitka
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Joseph Ikpea, has disclosed that the committee will review the proposed bill seeking to impose the death penalty for drug-related offences, saying it would make recommendations after a thorough examination of the legislation.
Speaking with journalists after the committee’s inaugural meeting at the National Assembly, Abuja, Ikpea said he was not a member of the Senate when the controversial bill was debated and referred for further legislative work.
“I have no idea about that bill because I was not a senator when it came up on the floor. My committee will look at it and advise accordingly. For now, I cannot say much about it,” he said.
The senator explained that the meeting was a routine committee session aimed at outlining the committee’s priorities and mapping out its oversight activities.
According to him, one of the committee’s immediate priorities is strengthening oversight of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and inspecting rehabilitation centres across the country to ensure they comply with approved standards.
He expressed concern that some rehabilitation facilities may not be operating in line with regulatory requirements.
“We are planning to visit rehabilitation centres to ensure they meet the required standards. You cannot just establish a rehabilitation centre without complying with the necessary regulations. We want to ensure they are operating properly and delivering quality services,” he said.
On the contentious issue of the death penalty for drug traffickers, Ikpea declined to take a definitive position, saying punishment for offences should be proportionate to the crimes committed and that the final decision rests with the National Assembly and the Federal Government.
“Every offence should attract punishment commensurate with its severity. Different countries have different laws on drug trafficking. Whatever the Senate and the Federal Government eventually decide will be respected,” he stated.
The lawmaker also raised alarm over the growing menace of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, describing it as a major threat to the country’s future.
Citing figures indicating that about 14 million Nigerians are affected by drug abuse, he stressed the need for sustained public enlightenment and early preventive education.
“The youth are the leaders of tomorrow. If we fail to educate them on the dangers of drug abuse, the nation’s future will be in jeopardy. We are looking at introducing drug education into school curricula so children understand the consequences from an early age,” he said.
Ikpea further reiterated his opposition to the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant Boko Haram members into society, arguing that individuals involved in acts of terrorism should face the full weight of the law.
According to him, insurgents responsible for killing innocent Nigerians and security personnel should not be reintegrated into society, insisting that such a policy could undermine efforts to combat terrorism.
The senator also alleged that some recent kidnapping incidents may have political undertones, suggesting that certain individuals could be exploiting insecurity to undermine the government ahead of future elections.
He, however, maintained that Boko Haram remains an enemy of all Nigerians, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, and called for decisive action against terrorism and other forms of violent crime.
