Senate President Akpabio backs death penalty for kidnappers, hails Tinubu’s Security efforts
Senate President Akpabio backs death penalty for kidnappers, hails Tinubu’s Security efforts
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has expressed strong support for the death penalty for kidnappers, while commending President Bola Tinubu’s handling of national security.
He praised the recent rescue of kidnapped children and assured that the Senate will back tougher measures to curb violent crime, including capital punishment for kidnapping.
Speaking on Thursday at the 14th National Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Akpabio lauded what he described as the President’s “decisive leadership” in tackling insecurity and restoring regional stability.
He also prayed for the safe return of remaining abductees and extended condolences to military personnel and civilians who lost their lives in rescue 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,” he said.
Akpabio emphasized that domestic security is closely tied to stability in neighbouring countries, commending Tinubu’s role in supporting democracy in the Benin Republic. “If our neighbours are not stable, Nigeria cannot be stable,” he said, reiterating the Senate’s backing for the President’s efforts.
Highlighting new legislative measures, Akpabio said kidnapping has been elevated to the same legal status as terrorism.
“Kidnappers will face the death sentence once the President assents to the bill,” he warned, noting that failure to enforce capital punishment could lead to further jailbreaks and killings.
On party politics, Akpabio celebrated the growing alignment behind the APC and welcomed recently defected governors, including the Plateau State governor. He commended National Chairman Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda for consolidating the party’s gains, urging new governors to engage respectfully with party elders.
“Thank them for tolerating you, for accommodating you, for accepting you,” he advised.
Reflecting on past disputes over leadership positions in the South-East, Akpabio said lessons had been learned and called for cross-state harmony as more governors join the party.
He expressed hope that the cooperative spirit seen in Enugu would be mirrored in Rivers, Delta, and across the South-South.
Projecting confidence ahead of the 2027 elections, Akpabio urged caucus members to translate the APC’s growing strength into unified electoral support.
“At the end, this should result in bloc votes and victory for the APC come 2027,” he stated.
