Mark decries oil theft, advocates capital punishment

[PeoplesDaily]

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

Against the background of rising cases of oil theft in the country, the Senate President, David Mark, has lamented the devastating effect of the menace on Nigeria's economy, reiterating that capital punishment should be meted out on those guilty of this crime.

In an address of welcome which he read at the resumed sitting of the senate yesterday, Mark also called on federal government to put urgent measures in place to address the problem squarely.

"I still maintain my earlier stance that oil theft should attract capital punishment. We must address it squarely", according to him.

Speaking further, he admitted that Nigeria is currently experiencing security and economic challenges, saying federal government should consolidate on the progress made so far in the three states where state of emergency was declared through provission of more social amenities for the residents.

According to him, "We must do everything possible to address squarely the social and economic needs of our people with determination and sincerity, honesty and transparency."

Mark also reminded the lawmakers of the enormous task involved in considering the report of the committee on the review of the 1999 constitution, consideration and passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Pension Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, among others.

Based on this, he urged them to imbibe the spirit of devotion, commitment, sacrifice and statesmanship, emphasising that at the moment, the nation calls for bipartisan approach to issues by rising above parochial considerations during deliberations on the above critical Bills.

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