The House of Representatives has reversed its decision on the second reading of a bill aimed at stripping the Vice-President, governors, and deputy governors of their immunity.
The lower legislative chamber made this decision following a motion moved by Julius Ihonvbere, the Majority Leader, on Thursday.
The bill, which had passed its second reading on Wednesday, is sponsored by Solomon Bob, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Rivers State.
He stated that the bill seeks to “promote accountability in public office” by removing the immunity currently granted to the Vice-President, governors, and their deputies.
Section 308 of the Constitution stipulates that the President, Vice-President, governor, and deputy governor cannot be subjected to civil or criminal proceedings during their time in office. Furthermore, they cannot be arrested or imprisoned, and no court may compel their appearance.
The Green Chamber also rescinded its decision on a bill to abolish the death penalty.
Sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker, and six other lawmakers, this bill aims to amend Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
This section currently states: “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”
The proposed amendment seeks to remove the phrase: “Save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”
