Mixed reactions trail governors’ reluctance to sign death warrants in Nigeria

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that their stand may not be far from some moral and religious convictions.

Pundits say many governors are deeply influenced by their personal beliefs, with both Christianity and Islam emphasising mercy and forgiveness.

According to NAN findings in Kaduna, Kano and Katsina states, this makes them reluctant to authorise such pending executions.

Also, some of them take such actions due to the fear of wrongful convictions.

Nigeria’s legal system is often criticised for delays, weak investigation procedures, and lack of access to quality legal representation, raising concerns about potential wrongful convictions.

Others hinged their procrastination on political sensitivity as they think signing a death warrant can be politically risky, potentially alienating voters or interest groups who oppose capital punishment.

Also, some governors posit that they may face public backlash or protests from human rights groups and religious bodies.

Similarly, the lengthy appeal process, which can take years, also contributes to the delay. Inmates on death row have the right to appeal to the Court of Appeal and even the Supreme Court.

This makes the governors cautious about signing death warrants without exhausting all legal avenues.

Nigeria’s signatory status to international human rights treaties, which often criticise capital punishment, may also influence governors’ decisions.

Some governors may simply believe in the sanctity of life and oppose capital punishment on ethical grounds.

Source: Premium Times