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House of Representatives Advances Bill to Remove Immunity for Vice President and Governors

In a significant legislative move, the Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a bill through its second reading that seeks to remove the constitutional immunity currently enjoyed by the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies. This proposed amendment aims to enhance accountability, curb corruption, and eliminate impunity in public office.

Overview of the Proposed Amendment

The bill, sponsored by Representative Solomon Bob from Rivers State, specifically targets Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants immunity to certain executive officeholders, shielding them from civil and criminal prosecution while in office. The proposed alteration seeks to retain immunity solely for the President, thereby subjecting the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies to legal proceedings during their tenure.

The long title of the bill reads: “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.”

Legislative Progress and Context

This bill was among 42 constitutional amendment bills considered and passed through the second reading during the plenary session on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. The previous day, the House had passed 39 similar bills, bringing the total to 81 constitutional amendment bills under consideration.

Other notable bills in this legislative session include proposals to:

Separate the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation and state attorneys-general from the Minister of Justice and state commissioners for justice, respectively, to ensure independence in legal prosecutions.
Grant citizenship rights to foreign spouses of Nigerian women and establish a minimum quota for youth and women in specific government appointments.
Create new states, including Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti, reflecting ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s geopolitical restructuring.

Implications of Removing Immunity

The removal of immunity for the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies carries significant implications:

Accountability: Officeholders would be directly accountable for their actions while in office, potentially deterring misconduct.
Legal Precedents: This change could lead to an increase in legal actions against sitting officials, influencing the political landscape.
Governance Dynamics: The prospect of legal proceedings might impact decision-making processes and the overall functioning of executive roles.

Public and Political Reactions

While the bill has passed its second reading, it has sparked diverse reactions among lawmakers, legal experts, and the general public. Proponents argue that it is a necessary step toward transparency and good governance. Critics, however, express concerns about potential distractions for officeholders and the possibility of politically motivated lawsuits.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

For the bill to become law, it must undergo further legislative scrutiny, including:

Committee Review: Detailed examination and possible revisions by relevant House committees.
Third Reading: Final consideration and approval by the House of Representatives.
Senate Concurrence: Passage of an identical bill by the Senate.
Presidential Assent: Signing into law by the President.

Given the constitutional nature of the amendment, it may also require approval by a specified majority of state legislatures.

Conclusion

The advancement of this bill marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s legislative efforts to reform governance structures and promote accountability. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will undoubtedly continue to generate robust debate and scrutiny from all sectors of society.