News

Bill Seeking Immunity For Lawmakers From Prosecution Scales Second Reading

A bill seeking to extend immunity to cover Presiding Officers of Legislative Institutions has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill which was sponsored by Representative Odebunmi Olusegun was supported by the majority of the lawmakers who say it is important to safeguard the sanctity of the National Assembly.

In supporting the bill, Majority Leader, Ado-Doguwa said: “It should be passed for the simple reason that it provides protection for leaders of the legislature considering the important work of the legislature.”

However, the House Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu asked the lawmakers to place the interest of their constituents above personal interest.

“Outside here, our people are being killed and butchered. We are coming up with a bill on the issue of immunity while some of us are saying that people should be held accountable for what they do. I think it is wrong and it should not be allowed.”

Some of the lawmakers who opposed the bill argued that it was coming at a time when there are calls for the withdrawal of immunity from the governors.

The lawmakers say there is no need for such a law, especially considering the spate of insecurity in the country.

If the bill eventually becomes a law, it will, therefore, translate into an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as immunity covers the President, Vice President, Governors and their Deputies.

editor

Recent Posts

Rivers, Benue, Akwa Ibom Lead as Over 2 Million Nigerians Live with HIV – 2024 NACA Report

New data from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has revealed that…

14 hours ago

Veronica’s Daughter to Host “Business, Balance & Beyond Summit 2025” on May 3rd

The city of Port Harcourt is set to welcome entrepreneurs, professionals, changemakers, and thought leaders…

5 days ago

50 Things to Know About Obi Cubana As He Celebrates His 50th Birthday Today

Obi Cubana, born Obinna Tochukwu Iyiegbu on April 12, 1975, in Oba, Anambra State, Nigeria,…

2 weeks ago

Rivers Women Speak Out: “End the Emergency Rule, Restore Democracy in Rivers State”

In a powerful show of unity and courage, the women of Rivers State have taken…

2 weeks ago

Archbishop Emmah Isong Named UNICAL Religious Affairs Ambassador for Impactful Service to Humanity

In celebration of lives lived in service and excellence, the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has…

3 weeks ago

Agabus Agboye : 23 Acts Of Chivalry That Men Needs To Bring Back

1. Holding open the door for people, especially when they are carrying heavy things or…

2 months ago