The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the global shift towards the abolition of capital punishment, noting that over 130 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice.
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for reforms in Nigeria’s death penalty laws, emphasising the need for stakeholder collaboration and alignment with international human rights standards.
Kalu made the call while receiving a delegation from the Death Penalty Project led by officials of the British High Commission, who visited him in Abuja on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
During the meeting, the Deputy Speaker acknowledged the global shift towards the abolition of capital punishment, noting that over 130 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice.
As Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Kalu revealed that a proposed bill is in the works to amend Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to delete the provision that permits the state to execute individuals found guilty of serious crimes, retaining only the clause that guarantees the right to life.
“This amendment will align with international best practices. Justice must incorporate rehabilitation and restorative practices rather than solely punitive measures,” Kalu said.
He referenced the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution of December 2024 which called for a global moratorium on executions. Despite Nigeria abstaining from the vote, Kalu stressed, the country must begin discussions on aligning with the evolving global stance.
The deputy speaker also highlighted Africa’s increasing movement away from the death penalty, noting that 48 out of 55 African Union nations have either abolished or ceased the practice. He cited recent developments in Zimbabwe, which abolished the death penalty on New Year’s Eve, as an example of regional progress.
“The African continent is advancing towards abolition more rapidly than any other region, with six countries eliminating the death penalty for all crimes in the past four years,” he added.
Kalu assured the delegation of Nigeria’s willingness to engage in further discussions, clarifying that the goal is not to undermine the seriousness of capital offenses but to ensure a justice system that is fair, effective, and respectful of human rights.
“We owe it to our citizens to ensure their rights are protected and that our laws reflect the highest standards of justice. This reform is about fairness, respect for human rights, and ensuring that our criminal justice system serves the people equitably,” Kalu concluded.
Earlier, the leader of the Death Penalty Project delegation, Saul LeurFeund, emphasised the importance of engaging Nigerian lawmakers on the potential abolition of capital punishment. He reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to providing technical support for any legislative efforts toward reform.