The House of Representatives approved a bill for the second reading aimed at removing the immunity granted to the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies.
The proposed change to the Constitution seeks to make public officials more accountable by eliminating their protection from legal actions while in office.
This immunity currently shields these officials from criminal and civil prosecution.
The bill, introduced by Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), calls for an amendment to Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The change would end immunity for the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies, focusing on the fight against corruption and impunity in public service.
The amendment also seeks to ensure greater transparency and accountability in government offices.
In addition, the House passed another bill to recognize the advisory role of traditional rulers within the Constitution, affirming their position in the governance framework.
Both this bill and the one on immunity are part of a broader package of 42 constitutional amendments designed to improve the country’s political structure, address local government challenges, and address issues around state creation and citizens’ rights.
Earlier in the week, the House had passed 39 other constitutional amendments, including changes related to local government autonomy and funding.
A bill proposing the creation of Etiti State, a new state in the southeastern region, was also reintroduced and passed for second reading.
These moves reflect the ongoing effort in the House to reform Nigeria’s constitutional framework, focusing on enhancing accountability, efficiency, and transparency in governance.
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