The ex-CJ urged governors to perform their statutory duties under the law and not shy away due to political or emotional concerns.
Former Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, has blamed state governors’ refusal to sign death warrants for worsening criminality and prison congestion across Nigeria.
Speaking at the Nigeria Human Rights Conference in Enugu on Friday, Bello said many inmates convicted of capital offences remain on death row due to governors’ inaction.
“If it is criminal, you’re made conviction and if there’s any role for any governor, let him perform it,” he said.
He added, “By refusing to fulfill their constitutional obligations as required by the law, they indirectly encourage the criminals in their atrocities.”
Bello, who once chaired the federal prison reforms and decongestion committee, decried the humanitarian or legal excuses cited by governors, noting such hesitations harm the justice system.
He also criticised comparisons with the UK and US systems, stressing Nigeria’s judiciary lacks similar investment.
“There’s need for funding,” he said. “Wherever there’s responsibility, there’s need for investment.”