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Anti-Corruption Drive: Reps Move to End Immunity for VP, Governors, Deputies
The House of Representatives has advanced a constitutional amendment bill aimed at removing the immunity shielding Nigeria’s Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies from prosecution while in office.
The bill, sponsored by Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), passed its second reading on Wednesday. Lawmakers supporting the amendment argue that stripping top public officials of legal protection is necessary to curb corruption, eradicate impunity, and enhance accountability in governance.
If the bill becomes law, it will amend Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, which currently grants immunity to the President, Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies, shielding them from criminal and civil prosecution while in office.
In a related development, the House also passed for second reading a bill seeking to give constitutional recognition to traditional rulers by formalizing their advisory roles in governance.
The push for constitutional amendments is part of a broader legislative effort, with the House considering 42 bills focused on devolution of power, strengthening institutions, state creation, citizenship rights, fundamental freedoms, and local government reforms.
Among other key proposals, lawmakers debated a bill seeking to redefine the local government structure by shifting its creation and funding from the Federal Government to the states. Another bill aims to strengthen local government autonomy, ensuring greater transparency, administrative efficiency, and accountability in grassroots governance.
On state creation, the House revisited a proposal to establish Etiti State from the existing five southeastern states. The bill, initially introduced on July 11, 2025, by Amobi Ogah and four others, was read for the second time, alongside a similar bill sponsored by Deputy Minority Whip George Ozodinobi.
With these legislative moves, the House appears set on reshaping Nigeria’s governance framework, tackling corruption, empowering local governments, and addressing longstanding demands for new states
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