Corruption remains the most devastating affliction eating deep into the very soul of Nigeria. It is the cankerworm that has denied the Nigerian people good governance, quality healthcare, functional education, critical infrastructure, national security, and ultimately, human dignity.
If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all State Governors genuinely intend to lead Nigeria toward a rebirth of hope, prosperity, and justice, there is no nobler starting point than to urgently push for legislation that makes corruption : especially grand corruption, a capital offence.
To pretend otherwise is to inadvertently endorse the very evil that has crippled our nation for decades.
Nations that have achieved meaningful progress understood early that corruption is not just a moral failing , it is treason against the people.
China, for instance, treats high-level corruption with the severest punishment, often the death penalty, recognizing that corruption leads to societal decay and mass suffering.
Vietnam and North Korea have taken similar stances, enacting strict measures, including capital punishment, against corrupt public officials.
Even Singapore, though not prescribing capital punishment, dealt so ruthlessly with corruption that it became a global model of clean governance.
Nigeria, sadly, continues to caress corruption with weak laws and indulgent institutions. Trials drag for decades, convictions are rare, and even when achieved, the corrupt often negotiate plea bargains that allow them to retain much of their loot.
Meanwhile, ordinary citizens wallow in hunger, disease, joblessness, and insecurity.
The time for cosmetic reforms is over. We need a strong, unambiguous signal that corruption is an unforgivable betrayal of trust.
An Executive Bill that makes corruption, particularly involving public resources meant for health, education, security, or infrastructure : a capital offence would shake the conscience of the political class and send a clear message that Nigeria is finally serious about governance and justice.
Moreover, making corruption a capital offence would serve as a powerful deterrent. Fear of severe punishment has always been a formidable weapon against crime.
Those entrusted with public funds must realize that stealing from the people is akin to stealing lives, and it must attract the highest punishment under the law.
If President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Governors fail to act decisively, Nigerians will have every reason to conclude that the current leadership is merely paying lip service to the fight against corruption.
To support half-measures is to support corruption itself. And to support corruption is to sabotage the future of millions of unborn Nigerians.
“A nation that pampers corruption mortgages its destiny. Nigeria must choose: Justice or Decay.”
Furthermore, all patriotic politicians must rise in unison to support this historic and moral imperative. Governors, in particular, must champion this move within their respective states, enacting similar laws to make grand corruption a capital offence at the sub-national level.
Let it be known: anyone who refuses to support this move is not a politician, but a thief in disguise, a polithiefian parading as a patriot.
History beckons. Posterity will be harsh on those who had the power to act but chose silence or cowardice.
The moment is now. The decision is theirs.
Chief Olawale Ojoge-Daniel is a Legal Practitioner, Public Affairs Analyst, and Advocate for Good Governance