LunagisthubReps Reverse Course: Bill to Strip VP, Governors of Immunity Halted
In a stunning reversal, the House of Representatives has abandoned its plan to advance a bill that would strip the Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors of their constitutional immunity. This sudden U-turn came on Thursday, just a day after the bill had passed its second reading
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Rivers lawmaker Solomon Bob, aimed to amend Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, removing the immunity clause that shields these top officials from prosecution while in office. Proponents of the bill argued that it would help curb corruption, enhance accountability, and prevent abuse of power.
However, the bill’s progress was halted when Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion to rescind the decision, effectively stopping further progress on the proposed legislation.
This development is a significant setback for those advocating for greater accountability among Nigeria’s top officials. The bill’s reversal has sparked debate about the balance between accountability and effective governance.
Other notable proposals that had scaled the second reading on Wednesday include bills to:
Separate Attorney-General Offices
Alter the Constitution to separate the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Attorney-General of a state from the offices of the Minister of Justice and Commissioner for Justice.
Grant Citizenship Rights
Alter the Constitution to grant citizenship rights to spouses of women from Nigeria and specify the minimum number of youths and women that may be appointed into specific offices.
Create New States
Create new states, including Ijebu State, Ife-Ijesa State, Tiga State, Orlu State, and Etiti State.
The fate of these proposals remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the debate over accountability and governance in Nigeria is far from over.
Lunagisthub
