They Deserve To Die - Senate Refuses To Plead For Sentenced Soldiers
The Nigerian Senate had today refused the plea to spare the lives of the 12 Nigerian Army soldiers who were sentenced to death for mutiny.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, George Sekibo revealed this in Abuja after having a private conference with the nation’s service chiefs.
READ ALSO: Nigerians Discuss Death Penalty For Maiduguri Mutiny
The security chief were lid in to a meeting that lasted for over three hours.
They were led by Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh.
The senate revealed that they weren't pressured to save the lives of the soldiers because the judgement is crucial for the Nigerian military.
“No we are not (under pressure) because the Armed Forces is established by an Act of the National Assembly. “The Act spelt out categorically the conduct of soldiers and the way they are to behave wherever they are. “If you join the military that Act is to guide you and your conduct.
READ ALSO: Ex-Army Chiefs Support Death Penalty Verdict For 12 Soldiers
“If you go contrary to any of the prescribed sections of the Act the punishment prescribed for the Act you violated will come on you. “So the military did not just wake up one day and say that they are going to kill Mr A or Mr B. “They (military) went through the necessary processes and they found them guilty,” he said.
“But I think that those found guilty also have a way out. They can go on appeal and if the appeal finds them not guilty that will be it. “But for what the military has done, they have done the best thing because you must instil discipline in the Armed Forces. “If you don’t do so one day all of us here will be sacked and you will not hear of this place again,” he said.
The 12 soldiers were said to have shot at their commanding officer, Abubakar Mohammed, in Maiduguri on May 14
READ ALSO: Soldiers On Death Row Arrive Lagos
After a nine-member military tribunal, sitting in Abuja, convicted the soldiers, they were then sentenced to death on September 16.
Source: Legit.ng
