Oil Theft: Mark Advocates Capital Punishment

Expressing worry  over the monumental financial loss the nation runs on daily basis through oil theft,  President of the Senate, David Mark  has recommended  Capital  punishment for those guilty of this crime.
David Mark, noted clearly that the Nigerian economy has grossly suffered due to this menace and there is no gain saying that such trend can only pull the nation into higher levels of poverty
These formed part of his opening remarks  as he  welcomed  the senators back to the chambers after a two-week break to mark the end of the 2012/2013 legislative session
In his speech at the sitting  Mark  called on the  federal government to take  urgent steps  to address the problem squarely.
“I still maintain my earlier stance that oil theft should attract capital punishment. We must address it squarely”. Mark insisted
The Senate President  further admitted that Nigeria is currently experiencing security and economic challenges, but still advised that  federal government should consolidate on the progress made so far in the three states where state of emergency was declared by  providing people some succour through  social amenities.
His words  “We must do everything possible to address squarely the social and economic needs of our people with determination and sincerity, honesty and transparency.”
Mark also reminded the lawmakers of the enormous task ahead of them as they  consider the report of the committee on the review of the 1999 constitution, and the much awaited  passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), Pension Reform Act (Amendment) Bill, among others.
On this back drop , he urged them to imbibe the spirit of devotion, commitment, sacrifice and statesmanship, emphasising that at the moment, the nation calls for bipartisan approach to issues and urged them to rise above parochial considerations during deliberations on the above critical Bills.