Reps rescind decision on bill to strip VP, governors of immunity

The house of representatives has rescinded decision on the second reading of the bill seeking to strip vice-president, governors and deputy governors of immunity.

The lower legislative chamber took the decision after Julius Ihonvbere, majority leader of the house, moved a motion on Thursday.

The bill, which passed second reading on Wednesday, is sponsored by Solomon Bob, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Rivers state.

He said 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 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.

The occupants of the office shall not also be arrested or imprisoned and no process of any court requiring or compelling their appearance.

The green chamber also rescinded decision on the bill to abolish death penalty.

The bill, sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house, and six other lawmakers, seeks to amend section 33 (1) of the 1999 constitution.

The section stipulates that: “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 bill proposes to delete 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.”