Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared his strong support for capital punishment for kidnappers, describing the death penalty as an essential deterrent against the escalating wave of violent crimes across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 14th National Caucus meeting of the All Progressives Congress held Thursday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Akpabio also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he characterized as decisive leadership in addressing insecurity, particularly recent operations that resulted in the rescue of abducted children.
The Senate President pledged the National Assembly’s full support for stronger legislation to combat kidnapping and terrorism, revealing that lawmakers have taken concrete steps to elevate kidnapping to the same legal classification as terrorism.
“Kidnappers will face the death sentence once the President assents to the bill,” Akpabio declared, warning that failure to impose and enforce capital punishment could embolden criminals and lead to more jailbreaks and loss of lives.
He disclosed that the National Assembly has categorized kidnapping at the same legal level as terrorism, ensuring that perpetrators face the ultimate punishment once President Tinubu signs the legislation into law.
Akpabio praised Tinubu’s handling of national security challenges, noting that recent rescue operations demonstrate renewed government commitment to protecting citizens’ lives and property. He offered prayers for the safe return of remaining abductees and expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones during security operations.
“We condole with families who have lost loved ones, including members of the armed forces who died protecting lives and property. We will stand with their families in this moment of grief,” the Senate President said.
Linking Nigeria’s internal security to regional stability, Akpabio commended Tinubu’s diplomatic intervention in the Benin Republic to safeguard democratic order in the neighboring country.
“If our neighbours are not stable, Nigeria cannot be stable,” he stated, adding that the Senate fully supports the President’s regional engagement efforts.
Turning to party politics, Akpabio celebrated what he described as a growing wave of support for the APC, welcoming recently defected governors, including the Plateau State governor. He credited the party’s National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, for consolidating gains and strengthening the party’s structure nationwide.
The Senate President advised newly defected governors to work harmoniously with party elders in their respective states, drawing from his own political experience in Akwa Ibom State.
“Thank them for tolerating you, for accommodating you, for accepting you,” he counseled, urging unity and cooperation as more governors join the ruling party.
Akpabio recalled past political struggles over positions in the South-East, saying valuable lessons had been learned. He expressed optimism that the cordial political relationships seen in Enugu would be replicated in Rivers, Delta and across the South-South region.
Projecting confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akpabio told caucus members that the growing strength of the APC must translate into unity and collective electoral success.
“At the end, this should result in bloc votes and victory for the APC come 2027,” the Senate President declared.
The Senate President’s strong endorsement of capital punishment for kidnappers comes amid ongoing national concerns about kidnapping for ransom, which has become a major security challenge affecting communities across Nigeria. The proposed legislation represents one of the National Assembly’s most stringent responses to the crisis, signaling a tougher stance on violent crimes.
