SENATE APPROVES DEATH PENALTY FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

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The 2024 NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill has passed its third reading in the Senate with approval to impose the death penalty on drug dealers within the nation.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was the subject of a report by Senator Tahir Munguno, the Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters, and Drugs & Narcotics. On Thursday, the Senate dissolved into a committee of the whole, and the proposal was adopted.

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The Senate Chief Whip and Sen. Peter Nwebonyi offered an amendment to give drug traffickers the death penalty rather than only a life sentence during a review of the punishment sections of the amendment bill aimed at enhancing the agency’s operations. In accordance with Article 11,.

It seemed the NAYs had the upper hand when the issue was submitted to a voice vote. Nevertheless, the Deputy Senate President decided in favor of the I’s when the matter was submitted to a second vote. There was a small commotion because some legislators weren’t happy.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole voiced his disappointment with the revised clause’s seeming hurried deliberation and passage.

Senator Oshiomhole objected to the ruling being reversed, but the Deputy Senate President rejected it, stating that it was made late and hence not allowed.

To combat bribery and corruption and preserve the independence of the court, the upper chamber has also started reviewing the pay, benefits, and allowances of Nigerian judges.

The executive law, which aims to set salaries for federal and state judges, passed second reading on Thursday. It is anticipated to end the lengthy period of pay stagnation by making compensation more in line with the present socioeconomic conditions.

Despite the bill’s unanimous approval, a few MPs advocated for an equal evaluation of Nigerians’ incomes and compensation in other industries, given the country’s current economic challenges.

The Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters was then directed to review the measure and provide a report in four weeks.