The Nigerian House of Representatives has advanced a bill that seeks to remove legal immunity from the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies. The bill, sponsored by Representative Solomon Bob, successfully passed its second reading during a plenary session on Wednesday.
The proposed legislation, officially titled “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 Governors and their Deputies, in Order to Curb Corruption, Eradicate Impunity and Enhance Accountability in Public Office and for Related Matters (HB.1664)”, aims to promote accountability among top government officials.
Bob noted that the bill seeks to ensure that public officeholders are held responsible for their actions while in office. Under the current Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution, the President, Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors cannot face civil or criminal prosecution while serving in their positions. However, if the proposed amendment is passed, only the President will retain immunity from prosecution.
Following its successful second reading, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further scrutiny. Lawmakers will deliberate on the potential impact of the amendment before it can proceed to the next stage.
