House of Reps reverses decision to scrap immunity for vice president and governors

MEMBERS of Nigeria's House of Representatives have reversed a previous decision to strip the vice president and state governors of their immunity after a bill opposing the proposal was tabled by the majority leader Hon Julius Ihonvbere.

In a move designed to help fight corruption, the House had been debating a bill that would strip the constitutional  immunity which the vice president, state governors and deputy governors currently enjoy. Had the bill been passed, only the Nigerian president would be immune from prosecution while still in office.

However, in a surprise U-turn, during the second reading of the bill, Hon Ihonvbere, moved a motion, which countered the original proposal sponsored by Hon Solomon Bob, a People's Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Rivers State, yesterday. Hon Bob said his bill sought to promote accountability in public office by removing the immunity currently granted to the vice-president, governors and their deputies.

Section 308 of the Nigerian constitution states that the president, vice-president, governor, and deputy governor, during the period he/she is holding the office, shall not be subjected to civil or criminal proceedings. It adds that the occupants of the office shall not also be arrested or imprisoned and no process of any court requiring or compelling their appearance.

Hon Bob said his bill aimed to curb corruption, curb immunity, eradicate impunity and enhance accountability in public office. However, his bill has now been dropped as has another one in which the House rescinded its decision to abolish the death penalty.