Obono Obla, a former senior adviser to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari on Prosecutions and former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), has proposed the death penalty as a solution to combat corruption in Nigeria.
Obla made this call during his keynote address at the 16th Ralph Opara Memorial Lecture in Calabar, organized by the National Association of Seadogs (NAS).
The lecture, titled “Sink or Swim? Nigeria’s Future and the Impact of Corruption on the Socio-Political Economy of Nigeria,” highlighted the detrimental effects of corruption on the nation’s progress.
Obla suggested that implementing the death penalty for certain types of corruption and financial crimes could deter corrupt practices, which have long plagued Nigerian society.
He emphasized that such a severe penalty would send a strong message to those involved in corrupt activities, curbing their influence on the nation’s socio-economic development.
He expressed concern over the contradictions in Nigeria, where some individuals work tirelessly to protect the country’s interests, while others exploit the system through corruption.
Obla argued that a systematic reform of Nigeria’s institutions is necessary, along with fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
The former presidential adviser further emphasized the need for a broad cultural and attitudinal shift to tackle the root causes of corruption in the country.
He called for collaboration between NGOs, civil society groups, and the government to build a society that values integrity and ethical conduct.
Dr. Joseph Oteri, head of NAS, also spoke at the event, noting that the lecture series serves to honor Ralph Opara, a prominent Nigerian broadcaster and one of the founding members of NAS at the University of Ibadan in 1952/53.
Oteri expressed the hope that the lecture series would provide a platform for discussing key issues that could shape Nigeria’s future and contribute to its development.
