A Killing Machine: Governors’ Refusal To Sign Death Warrants

When a system protects the very fabric of insecurity, insecurity proliferates. The growing trend of Nigerian governors refusing to sign death warrants for convicted dangerous criminals has sent a chilling message: that human life can be taken without fear of the law. This proliferation of impunity has far-reaching consequences, emboldening perpetrators and undermining the very fabric of society.

By refusing to sign death warrants, governors are, in effect, granting a license to kill. This reckless disregard for human life perpetuates a culture of violence, where individuals feel empowered to take life without fear. Innocent lives lost, families torn apart, and communities left to pick up the pieces.

Since the governors’ refusal to sign death warrants, there had been proliferation of violent crimes, including murder, human organ harvesting, kidnapping, armed robbery, to a point where someone cuts off the head of his girlfriend on the ground of cheating and fearlessly declared on the screen that the penalty price is too small to pay. Timilehin Ajayi’s confidence is not a coincidence; it is a direct result of the impunity that has been created. Nigeria’s justice system is broken, and the consequences are dire. In many cases, dangerous criminals are released by the state, only to continue their crimes with impunity. This revolving door of justice emboldens perpetrators, putting innocent lives at risk and undermining trust in the government.

It is time for governors to take a stand and uphold the law. Signing death warrants for convicted dangerous criminals is not a pleasant task, but it is a necessary one that sends a clear message that human life is valued and that those who take it will pay sorely with their lives.

The governors’ refusal to sign death warrants is a recipe for disaster that perpetuates a culture of violence, undermines the justice system, and erodes trust in government. It is time for governors to take a stand and uphold the law, ensuring that human life is valued and protected.

According to recent reports, over 70% of prisoners in Nigeria are released without serving their full sentences. Many of these individuals are dangerous criminals, convicted of heinous crimes such as murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery. Yet, instead of being held accountable, they are released back into society, free to continue their crimes. The reasons behind this impunity rest in a combination of factors, including corruption, inadequate funding, and a lack of political will. In some cases, dangerous criminals are released due to bribes or other forms of corruption. In other cases, the justice system is simply overwhelmed, and prisoners are released due to lack of space or resources.

Whatever the reason, the result is the same: dangerous criminals are released, and innocent lives are put at risk. It is time for the Nigerian government to take action, to ensure that justice is served and that dangerous criminals are held accountable by taking bold action to address corruption, including prosecuting those who bribe or accept bribes to release dangerous criminals.

Please Note This: Governors’ refusal to sign death warrants for dangerous criminals is a killing machine that empowers evil over good.

– Ambassador Ezewele Cyril Abionanojie is the author of the book ‘The Enemy Called Corruption’ an award winner of Best Columnist of the year 2020, Giant in Security Support, Statesmanship Integrity & Productivity Award Among others. He is the President of Peace Ambassador Global.