Bill To Remove Immunity From VP, Governors Passes Second Reading

The House of Representatives has passed a second reading of a bill that would deprive governors, deputy governors, and vice presidents of their immunity.

The bill was one of the 42 considered and passed through the second reading stage during Wednesday’s plenary session, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

Sponsored by Rivers lawmaker Solomon Bob, the bill is seeking the amendment of Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to guide against abuse of office and to ensure transparency in governance.

The long title of the proposed legislation reads, “A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to qualify the immunity conferred on the President, remove the immunity conferred on the Vice President, the governorsand their deputies, in order to curb corruption, eradicate Impunity and enhance accountability in public office and for related matters.”

He said the bill seeks to “promote accountability in public office” by removing the immunity currently granted to the vice president, governors, and their deputies.”