The House of Representatives has advanced a significant piece of legislation aimed at enhancing accountability in public office by passing a bill that seeks to remove immunity from prosecution for the Vice President, Governors, and their deputies. Sponsored by Rep. Solomon Bob, the bill successfully passed its second reading during the plenary session on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, along with 41 other bills.
Titled “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 (HB.1664),” the bill aims to promote transparency and accountability within the government.
Currently, Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution grants immunity to the President, Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors from civil or criminal proceedings while in office. If the newly proposed bill becomes law, immunity would be retained only for the President, allowing for greater legal accountability of other high-ranking officials.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further deliberation. This legislative move reflects a growing commitment to combat corruption and enhance public trust in government officials.
