The House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading seeking to remove the constitutional immunity granted to the Vice President, state governors, and their deputies.
The proposed amendment aims to curb corruption, eradicate impunity, and enhance accountability in public office.
The bill, which is part of the ongoing constitutional review process, seeks to alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution that currently shield these officeholders from civil and criminal prosecution while in office.
Lawmakers in support of the amendment argue that the immunity clause has been widely abused, allowing some public officials to evade justice while engaging in corrupt practices. They contend that removing this legal protection will serve as a deterrent to financial misconduct and abuse of power.
The proposal was among 42 constitutional amendment bills that scaled second reading in the green chamber. This follows the passage of 39 other amendments the previous day, bringing the total number of bills under consideration to 81.
Other constitutional amendments debated include a bill to separate the offices of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, a provision to grant citizenship rights to spouses of Nigerian women, and proposals for the creation of new states, including Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti.
The constitutional amendment process will proceed to the next legislative stages, after which it will require approval from two-thirds of state assemblies before becoming law.
