House of Reps Advances Bill to Strip VP, Governors, and Deputies of Immunity
Constitutional Amendment Bill Passes Second Reading Amid Heated Debate
The Nigerian House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward altering the country’s political landscape by advancing a bill seeking to strip the Vice President, state governors, and their deputies of constitutional immunity from prosecution.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. Solomon Bob, a lawmaker from Rivers State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), successfully passed its second reading during Wednesday’s plenary session, marking a major milestone in the push for greater accountability among high-ranking government officials.
Key Provisions of the Bill
If passed into law, the bill will amend Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution, which currently grants sitting presidents, vice presidents, governors, and their deputies immunity from criminal and civil prosecution while in office. This means that these officials, who are presently shielded from legal proceedings regardless of any allegations against them, could now be subject to investigation and potential prosecution during their tenure.
According to Hon. Solomon Bob, the bill aims to “promote accountability in public office” by ensuring that no political officeholder is above the law. The lawmaker argued that immunity has often been abused, allowing some leaders to engage in corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and abuse of power without fear of legal consequences.
Reactions from Lawmakers and Political Stakeholders
The bill has sparked intense debate both within and outside the National Assembly. While some lawmakers support the move as a necessary step toward accountability, others have raised concerns about its potential implications.
Supporters of the Bill
Proponents of the bill argue that stripping immunity from vice presidents, governors, and their deputies will serve as a deterrent against corrupt practices and executive impunity.
- Hon. Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) noted that removing immunity will ensure public officials remain answerable for their actions while in office.
- Hon. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) emphasized that accountability should be a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that “public office should not be a shield for lawlessness.”
- Civil society groups and anti-corruption advocates have welcomed the bill, stating that it will strengthen institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) in their fight against corruption.
Opposition and Concerns
On the other hand, some lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the bill, warning that it could be weaponized for political witch-hunting.
- Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas (APC, Adamawa) cautioned that removing immunity could lead to frivolous lawsuits that distract sitting governors and vice presidents from effectively running their offices.
- Hon. Aliyu Madaki (NNPP, Kano) argued that while accountability is important, stripping governors of immunity could lead to endless litigations and political instability.
- Some legal experts have raised concerns about the independence of Nigeria’s judiciary, warning that powerful political figures may use legal cases as a tool to intimidate or undermine sitting officeholders.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Politics
If passed, this bill will mark one of the most significant amendments to Nigeria’s Constitution in recent history. It will redefine the country’s political structure by making key executive figures directly accountable to the law.
Nigeria has witnessed several instances where governors and vice presidents were accused of corruption or abuse of office but could not be prosecuted due to constitutional immunity. If this bill becomes law:
- Sitting governors and vice presidents may face immediate legal action over corruption allegations.
- Anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC will have broader jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute executive officials without waiting for their tenure to end.
- It could discourage reckless governance and misuse of public funds, as leaders will know they are not immune to legal consequences.
Next Steps
Having passed the second reading, the bill will now proceed to the committee stage, where it will undergo further scrutiny and possible amendments. If it successfully passes a third reading in the House of Representatives, it will move to the Senate for consideration.
For the bill to become law, it will also require approval from two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 state Houses of Assembly, in line with constitutional amendment procedures.
As the debate continues, political observers are keenly watching to see how the bill progresses and whether Nigeria is ready for this bold step toward greater political accountability.
Public Reactions
The proposed legislation has sparked widespread discussions across the country. On social media, many Nigerians have expressed support for the bill, calling it a necessary reform to curb corruption. Others, however, have raised concerns about its possible misuse for political vendettas.
Some analysts predict that governors and vice presidents may mount legal and political resistance to prevent the bill’s passage. However, with growing public support for accountability in governance, the momentum behind this proposed amendment is stronger than ever.
References
House of Reps Advances Bill to Strip VP, Governors, and Deputies of Immunity