A bill aimed at removing immunity from vice presidents, governors, and deputy governors has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
Section 308 of the constitution currently grants immunity to the President, Vice President, Governors, and their deputies, shielding them from criminal and civil prosecution while in office.
The constitutional amendment bill, sponsored by Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), states: “A Bill for an act to amend the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to limit the immunity provided to the President and to eliminate the immunity granted to the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies, in order to combat corruption, eradicate impunity, and enhance accountability in public office and for Related Matters.”
He emphasised that the bill aims to “promote accountability in public office” by revoking the immunity currently enjoyed by the vice president, governors, and their deputies.
Additionally, the House voted to advance a constitutional amendment bill to formally recognise traditional rulers and their advisory role in the constitution.
These two bills are part of a broader package of 42 measures concerning the devolution of power, institutional strengthening, state creation, citizenship for traditional rulers, fundamental rights and objectives, and local government reforms passed by the House.
On Tuesday, the House also passed 39 constitutional alteration bills for second reading.
In its efforts to ensure the autonomy of local government, the House passed a bill incorporating stronger measures and checks, while also approving a second reading of another constitutional amendment seeking to remove local government as a constitutionally recognised and federally funded tier of government.
This second bill, sponsored by Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), aims to transfer the creation and funding of local governments to the states.
The House is also working on amending the constitution to improve the framework for local government administration, establishing a comprehensive legal regime to enhance administrative efficiency, promote transparency, accountability, and strengthen democratic practices at the local government level.
Additionally, the House revisited a bill proposing the creation of Etiti State from the five South Eastern States, which was read for the second time, despite a similar bill having previously passed its second reading.
This bill, sponsored by Amobi Ogah and four others, was first introduced on July 11, 2025, while another bill on the same topic, put forward by Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi, was also listed and passed for its second reading on Tuesday.
