The Civil Liberties Organisation condemned the decision...

The Civil Liberties Organisation condemned the decision of the Federal Government to apply the death penalty to persons who vandalise NEPA installations and oil pipelines. "Although we feel the Federal Government is genuinely concerned about these problems, the death penalty is not the best option in the circumstances because it takes us back to the inglorious days of military dictatorship and draconian decrees when the human rights of citizens meant little to those in power," it said in a statement. "We therefore call on the National Assembly not to be stampeded into enacting draconian laws that are capable of enthroning dictatorship. Rather, the National Assembly should take firm steps to abolish the death penalty in Nigeria," it added.