To increase transparency and reduce corruption in government, a lawmaker, Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), has sponsored a constitutional amendment bill. The bill aims to modify the immunity clauses for high-ranking officials, including the President, Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies.
Currently, Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution grants these officials immunity from criminal and civil prosecution while in office. The proposed change seeks to limit the President’s immunity and completely remove it from other mentioned officials to enhance accountability and tackle corruption.
Additionally, the House has passed another constitutional amendment for a second reading that proposes to recognize a constitutional role for traditional rulers. This bill acknowledges their advisory capacities, further integrating traditional governance within the constitutional framework.
The House has been active, passing several bills related to governance restructuring. This includes one that promotes the autonomy of local governments and another that proposes removing local government as a federally recognized and funded tier, shifting the responsibility for the creation and funding of local governments to the states.
The constitutional review process has also touched on state creation, with a specific proposal for the creation of Etiti State from the five southeastern states being read for the second time. This proposal is part of broader efforts to reevaluate administrative and territorial organization within the country.
These legislative activities are part of a larger package of 42 bills concerning the devolution of power, institutional strengthening, and enhancements to local governance, reflecting a comprehensive effort to refine the governance structure of Nigeria.