Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly endorsed the application of the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, calling for stringent legislative measures to combat the nation’s escalating security crisis. His statements were delivered on Thursday at the 14th National Caucus of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), held at the State House Conference Centre.
The Senate President’s remarks followed recent military operations that secured the release of abducted children in Kebbi and Niger States. Akpabio framed capital punishment for kidnappers as a necessary deterrent, announcing that proposed legislation now categorizes kidnapping alongside terrorism in severity.
“Once the President assents to the bill, kidnappers will face the death sentence,” Akpabio stated. He warned that a failure to enforce the most severe penalties could lead to further jailbreaks and loss of life.
In his address, Akpabio commended President Bola Tinubu’s handling of national security, praising what he termed the President’s “decisive leadership” in restoring regional stability. He pledged the full support of the Senate in enacting laws to address violent crime.
The Senate President also extended condolences to the families of civilians and military personnel killed during recent counter-kidnapping operations. “We stand with their families in this moment of grief,” he said.
Turning to foreign policy, Akpabio applauded President Tinubu’s role in mediating the political crisis in the Republic of Benin, underscoring the link between regional and national security. “If our neighbours are not stable, Nigeria cannot be stable,” he asserted.
Within the context of party affairs, Akpabio cited a “new wave of alignment” behind the APC, welcoming recently defected governors, including the Governor of Plateau State. He credited National Chairman Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda for consolidating the party’s gains and urged new members to collaborate respectfully with established party elders in their respective states.
Referencing past internal disputes, the Senate President called for cross-state harmony within the party’s ranks, expressing confidence that unity would translate into electoral success. “At the end, this should result in bloc votes and victory for the APC come 2027,” Akpabio concluded.