The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has said that it would propose a bill on death penalty for anyone convicted of stealing from the public treasury.

National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said the group would be sending a draft of the proposed legislation to the National Assembly when it reconvenes on September 29; adding that the proposed bill would specifically target those who steal public funds meant for essential services, especially in the health, education, roads, water, electricity and defence.

Applauding President Muhammadu Buhari’s ongoing anti-graft campaign, he however, faulted the handpicking of judges for cases involving corrupt persons.

Warning against the breach of the constitution and the principle of separation of powers, he noted that such measures are tantamount to the president operating like a monarch keen to usurp the duties of the judiciary.

“We can’t allow the nation go through jungle justice anymore,” he said. “We do not see any merit in the president setting up a panel to screen judges in a bid to get the incorruptible ones. As the head of the executive arm, he doesn’t have the power to screen judges. This is a democracy. He cannot confer on himself the powers unknown in our constitution.”

Credit: dailytimes