Breaking Down the Impact: VP and Governors to Lose Immunity Under New Bill

A bill attempting to strip Vice Presidents, Governors and Deputy Governors of immunity has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.

The bill was one of the 42 discussed and approved through the second reading stage at Wednesday’s plenary session, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.

The initiative, which is being sponsored by Rivers MP Solomon Bob, aims to alter Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to prevent official abuse and to guarantee openness in government.

In order to combat corruption, eliminate impunity, and improve accountability in public office, the proposed legislation is titled "A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to qualify the immunity conferred on the President, remove the immunity conferred on the Vice President, the Governors, and their deputies, and for Related Matters."

He claimed that by eliminating the immunity currently enjoyed by the vice president, governors, and their deputies, the bill aims to "promote accountability in public office."

More to come…