Abolishing the death penalty has been one issue, which many pro-lifers often neglect when it comes to the pro-life Gospel. The pro-life movement advocates that life from the womb to the tomb is sacrosanct, as such it ought to be protected consequently and there is no justification for depriving life. Flowing from this premise, it’s only right that the death penalty should also not be justified. Pope Francis put this more succinctly when he said “the commandment, ‘Thou shalt not kill’, has absolute value, and concerns both the innocent and the guilty, and even criminals maintain the inviolable right to life, the gift of God.”
In many countries like Nigeria hideous crimes like armed robbery, murder, kidnapping, treason, instigating invasion and treachery among others are examples of crimes, which attract the death penalty. While many opine that the death penalty is relevant to serve as a deterrent to future offenders, research has failed to provide scientific proof that executions have a greater deterrent effect than life imprisonment and such proof is unlikely to be forthcoming.
The need to abolish the death penalty has gained momentum this century. One great force behind this momentum is Pope Francis. Last month he stated, “All Christians and people of good will are called today to work not only for the abolition of the death penalty, but also to improve conditions in prisons; out of respect for the human dignity of prisoners.” The Holy Father appealed “to the consciences of government leaders”, that they might join the “international consensus for the abolition of the death penalty”, and spoke directly to Catholic leaders, asking them, as a “courageous and exemplary act,” to not carry out any death sentences during the Holy Year of Mercy.
Six days after the Pope made this plea, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, -the highest court of the country- confirmed the death sentence of the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly in Lagos, Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, also known as Reverend King who was convicted by the High Court in 2007 for the murder of one of his church members, Ann Uzoh. Although the Court’s decision got jubilation from the prosecutors and several quarters of the country, I think this should give us another opportunity to revisit once more, the death penalty. While people asset that the death penalty will give justice to the victim, it doesn’t seem to be the best option for the victim. I think justice for the victim should be more of restitution and seeing ways of helping the relatives leave the deceased left behind.
We hope the sentence by the Court is not confirmed by the Executive Governor of Lagos State.
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