By Chief Patrick Osagie Eholor
In a deeply concerning move, the Senate recently passed a bill mandating the death sentence for drug traffickers. However, this same body has failed to pass a similar bill targeting corrupt politicians, a decision that has drawn heavy criticism for its apparent double standards. An examination of relevant statistics highlights the severity of both problems in our society and calls into question the Senate’s approach to addressing them.
According to data from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), drug trafficking has been on the rise in recent years, with an alarming increase in both the volume and variety of drugs being trafficked. In the past year alone, the NDLEA seized over 500 tons of various illicit substances, underscoring the urgent need to combat this problem.
However, corruption remains equally, if not more, pervasive in our society. A recent report by Transparency International(TI) ranked our country among the top 20 most corrupt nations globally, with corruption permeating various levels of government. A staggering 70 percent of citizens surveyed reported paying bribes to access basic public services, while an estimated $400 billion has been lost to corruption in the past decade.
Given these statistics, it is clear that both drug trafficking and corruption pose significant threats to the well-being of our nation. Yet, the Senate’s decision to pass a bill mandating the death sentence for drug traffickers while failing to do the same for corrupt politicians suggests a troubling disparity in the way these issues are being addressed.
This selective approach to justice raises important questions about the motivations and priorities of our lawmakers. By advocating for harsh penalties against drug traffickers while failing to hold corrupt politicians accountable, the Senate appears to be sending a message that certain crimes are more punishable than others, depending on the perpetrator.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent is highly debatable, and its implementation could lead to unintended consequences, such as the victimization of low-level offenders while the masterminds of these criminal enterprises remain untouched.
To truly address these problems, the Senate must adopt a comprehensive and balanced approach that includes preventive measures, such as strengthening institutions, improving transparency and accountability, and investing in education and poverty alleviation programs. Only then can we hope to create a society that is free from the scourges of both drug trafficking and political corruption.
In conclusion, the Senate’s unbalanced approach to punishing drug traffickers and corrupt politicians highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of these complex issues. Instead of resorting to simplistic and potentially counterproductive solutions, lawmakers must prioritize comprehensive reforms that address the root causes of these problems and ensure equal justice for all.
Chief Patrick Osagie Eholor(aka Ultimate Equal), a human rights activist and President of the One Love Foundation, writes from Benin City.
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