The Nigerian House of Representatives advanced a bill aiming to remove the constitutional immunity currently granted to the Vice President, Governors, and their deputies. This legislative move, which successfully passed its second reading, is designed to curb corruption, eliminate impunity, and enhance accountability among high-ranking public officials.
The proposed amendment seeks to qualify the immunity conferred on the President and remove the immunity enjoyed by the Vice President, Governors, and their deputies. This change would allow these officials to be subject to legal proceedings while in office, thereby promoting greater transparency and responsibility.
This bill is part of a broader constitutional review process, with 42 amendment bills passing their second reading on the same day. Notable among these proposals are:
• A bill to separate the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation and State Attorneys-General from the offices of the Minister of Justice and State Commissioners for Justice, aiming to ensure greater independence in legal proceedings.
• A bill to grant citizenship rights to foreign spouses of Nigerian women and establish a minimum quota for youth and women in specific government appointments, promoting inclusivity and gender equality.
Additionally, the House considered bills advocating for the creation of new states, including Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti, reflecting ongoing discussions about the nation’s administrative restructuring.
It’s important to note that these bills have not yet been debated in detail; their passage through the second reading allows them to move forward for further legislative scrutiny and potential amendments.
This legislative development signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s approach to governance and accountability, potentially setting a precedent for increased legal responsibility among the nation’s top officials.
