The House of Representatives on Wednesday progressed with 42 constitutional amendment bills, including a proposal to strip the vice president, governors, and their deputies of the immunity they currently enjoy. The move aims to enhance accountability, curb corruption, and eliminate impunity in public office.
This comes a day after 39 amendment bills scaled second reading in the green chamber, bringing the total to 81 so far.
Among the key proposals that advanced on Wednesday is a bill seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution to limit the immunity privilege granted to the president while completely removing it for the vice president, governors, and their deputies. Proponents argue that the existing immunity has been a shield against accountability, allowing officeholders to evade prosecution for corrupt practices while in office.
Another significant bill proposes the separation of the Attorney-General of the Federation and state attorneys-general from the offices of the Minister of Justice and state commissioners for justice, respectively. This measure is designed to prevent political interference in legal proceedings and ensure a more independent judiciary.
Additionally, a bill seeks to amend the constitution to grant automatic citizenship rights to foreign spouses of Nigerian women, addressing longstanding gender-based disparities in nationality laws. Another provision specifies a minimum quota for youth and women in key political appointments to promote inclusivity in governance.
The House also advanced proposals for the creation of new states, including Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti.
Despite the significance of these proposed amendments, the bills were not debated before moving to the next stage. As the legislative process continues, these proposals will undergo further scrutiny and possible modifications before they can become law.
