The House of Representatives has offered support for the introduction of immunity clause in the Nigerian Constitution, to provide cover for presiding officers of the National Assembly.
A constitution amendment Bill to that effect scaled second reading in the House on Tuesday.
Though a number of members were opposed to the move, majority of members spoke in support, as they argued that it would protect the legislature from being disturbed.
Sponsored by Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun, the bill seek to extend immunity from being prosecuted as currently provided for the President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors of states, to include the Senate President, Speaker of the House, Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker.
Not even Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila’s advice that the commencement date for the proposed amendment be pegged for 2023 deterred members. “The Bill must be in such a way that the present presiding officers will not benefit from it, make it futuristic in terms of commencement date. The commencement date should be 2023 when the present leadership of the National Assembly tenure elapses”, he said before the debate.
Speaking in support, Majority Leader of the House, Alhassan Doguwa who was of the opinion that it would help the parliament in the discharge of its responsibilities said “It should be passed for the simple reason that it provides protection for leaders of the legislature considering the important works of the legislature”.
Also in his submissions, Toby Okechukwu said “We are all witnesses to how presiding officers were subjected to trial. We should avoid such from happening again,” he said.
Similarly, Nkem Abonta agued that prosecution of any of the presiding officers could affect the performance of members. “The office of the speaker may be harassed in frivolous suits. My morale may be low because my speaker is being harassed. “When Saraki was taken to court, we felt demoralised. He was freed at last but calculate the embarrassment it caused the institution”, he said.
However, Sergius Ogun said the move was misplaced, and coming at a time when a lot of Nigerians are calling for the removal of immunity clause from the constitution. “Granted that the principal officers relate with the president from time to time, I don’t know what they need immunity for. It is not necessary,” he said.
Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu also toed same line saying “outside here, our people are being killed and butchered. We are coming up with a bill on 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”.
