States Resist Bill Threatening Executive Immunity.
In a dramatic legislative move, the House of Representatives has ignited a firestorm of debate by proposing a controversial bill that would strip constitutional immunity from vice presidents, governors, and their deputies, while conspicuously maintaining protection for the president.
The proposed amendment to Section Three-Zero-Eight of the Constitution has state governments rallying in fierce opposition, arguing that the measure threatens to destabilize governance and expose elected officials to politically motivated legal harassment.
Political Battleground Emerges
Proponents of the bill, led by Representative Solomon Bob from Rivers State, claim the legislation will combat corruption by making executives immediately accountable for their actions. Bob passionately argues that the current immunity system enables misconduct by providing a “get out of jail free” card to public officials.
However, state justice commissioners are pushing back hard. Abiodun Aikomo from Oyo State warned that removing immunity would fundamentally disrupt governmental functions, transforming elected leaders into perpetual legal defendants instead of focused administrators.
Deeper Systemic Concerns
Oluwasina Ogungbade, Ogun State’s Attorney General, raised even more nuanced concerns. He suggested that the bill represents a superficial approach to fighting corruption, arguing that genuine reform requires a complete overhaul of investigative and judicial systems rather than merely removing constitutional protections.
Political Motivations Questioned
The bill’s selective application has raised eyebrows. While targeting vice presidents, governors, and deputies, it conspicuously leaves presidential immunity intact – a detail that critics argue exposes potential political maneuvering behind the legislation.
Potential Consequences
Legal experts warn of unintended consequences. The bill could transform governance into a minefield of potential litigation, where political rivals might weaponize legal proceedings to destabilize administrations and obstruct public service delivery.
A Complex Debate Continues
As the bill moves to the Constitutional Review Committee, it has transformed into a critical battleground testing the delicate balance between accountability and effective governance in Nigeria’s democratic system.
The nation now watches closely as lawmakers navigate this complex legislative terrain, with the fundamental question remaining: Will this bill genuinely enhance accountability or merely create new avenues for political manipulation?
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Reference
States oppose bill seeking immunity removal from VP, govs, deputies