Jonathan wants govs to sign death warrants

President Goodluck Jonathan has advised state governors to ensure they sign the death warrants of death row inmates as part of measures to restore discipline in the society.
Speaking on the necessity for fathers to discipline their children at Aso Rock Chapel, Abuja on Sunday on the occasion of Father’s Day celebration, he noted that even though it was one of those obligations required of state chief executives, they have often shied away from it, saying that they must see it as part of the ugly job they had to to do as governors.
He noted that just as the father was expected to discipline his child, the state through various means was also required to discipline erring citizens.
According to him, “these days, because of modern life, discipline is almost gone. Discipline can be in various forms. In the states, it could be admonition. A magistrate can just admonish a criminal and allow him to go. From admonition to various forms of punishments, it could be imprisonment. The extreme is capital punishment.



“In the case of capital punishment, the state governors will sign the death warrants. Even governors sometimes find it difficult to sign. I have been telling the governors that they must sign because that is the law. The works we are doing have a very sweet part and a very ugly part and we must perform both. No matter how painful it is, it is part of their responsibilities.”
He observed that fathers were expected to show love to their children and as bread winners of their families, provide them with their needs as well as be a role model for the children.

In an unrelated development, President Jonathan has congratulated Mr Hassan Rouhani on his victory in Iran’s presidential elections.
He also commended the government and people of Iran on the successful and peaceful election of a successor to outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad.
A statement issued by Presidential spokesman, Dr.Reuben Abati, in Abuja on Sunday, said Jonathan applauded Mr Rouhani’s characterisation of the outcome of the Iranian presidential elections as a victory for wisdom, moderation and maturity as well as his declared commitment to running an administration that will promote democracy, interaction and free dialogue.