Reps Move To End Immunity For Vice President, Governors, And Deputies

The House of Representatives has advanced a bill to remove immunity for the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies.

The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward amending the constitution by passing a bill for the second reading.

This bill aims to remove the immunity currently granted to the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies. Lawmakers argue that this change is necessary to fight corruption, limit immunity, eliminate impunity, and promote accountability in public office.

The proposed amendment, introduced by a legislator from Rivers State, states: “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, in order to curb corruption, eradicate impunity and enhance accountability in public office and for Related Matters.”

Currently, Section 308 of the constitution grants immunity to the President, Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies, shielding them from both criminal and civil prosecution while they hold office. The bill seeks to change this provision, ensuring that these officials can be held accountable during their tenure.

In addition to this, the House also passed for second reading another constitutional amendment bill aimed at giving traditional rulers a formal advisory role within the constitution. This move seeks to officially recognize their contributions in governance.

Both bills are part of a larger set of 42 constitutional amendment bills focused on various issues, including devolution of power, strengthening institutions, state creation, citizenship rights, and the role of local governments.

On Tuesday, lawmakers had already approved 39 constitutional amendment bills for the second reading. Among them was a bill designed to reinforce the autonomy of the local government system, ensuring stronger checks and balances. Another bill proposed removing local governments as a constitutionally recognized and federally funded tier of government. Instead, it suggests that states should have full control over the creation and funding of local governments.

The House is also working on amending the constitution to improve the administration of local governments. This includes establishing a more effective legal framework to enhance efficiency, transparency, accountability, and overall democratic governance at the local level.

Regarding state creation, a bill proposing the establishment of Etiti State from the five southeastern states was again presented for the second reading. This proposal had previously been passed for its first reading in July 2025. Another bill on the same matter, introduced by the Deputy Minority Whip, was also considered and passed for the second reading on Tuesday.

Further details on these legislative developments are expected to emerge soon.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG