A bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution and strip vice presidents, state governors, and their deputies of immunity from prosecution has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The bill, which proposes to alter constitutional provisions that currently confer legal immunity on these public officials, is one of 42 constitution amendment bills that scaled second reading in the lower chamber on Wednesday. If passed, the president will be the only public official with retained immunity, while others may face investigation and prosecution while in office.
Lawmakers backing the bill said the amendment aims to curb corruption, end impunity, and promote greater accountability in public office.
Other constitutional amendment proposals that advanced include a bill seeking the separation of the roles of Attorney-General of the Federation and State Attorneys-General from those of the Minister and Commissioners for Justice, respectively. Another bill proposes granting citizenship rights to foreign spouses of Nigerian women.
In a move to increase inclusivity, lawmakers also debated bills to establish minimum quotas for youth and women in political appointments.
Additionally, the House passed bills seeking the creation of new states, including Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti.
With these developments, the number of constitutional amendment bills that have passed second reading in the National Assembly now stands at 81, following the Senate’s passage of 39 bills on Tuesday.
