The bill seeking to strip vice president, governors and deputy governors of their immunity which passed second reading yesterday has today been cancelled and has sparked reactions.
During plenary today, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, while presiding in the absence of the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, said the decision to rescind the bill is to enable the House to conduct a more robust debate by the lawmakers.
He said, “We want to apologise to the sponsors of the bills, but this action is to enable the House to have a further debate considering the importance of the subject matters.”
Recall that the bill which was a welcome development to most Nigerians was sponsored by Solomon Bob, PDP- Rivers state seeks to amend Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to guide against abuse of office and to ensure transparency in governance.
See how Nigerians had reacted to the bill on X
“This is a good one . Even though it’s a Political move but it will reduce corruption perpetrated by our politician. I don’t know any western country where government officials enjoy immunity except the President or Prime Minister” – OrakVision https://x.com/OrakVision/status/1905244019761754185?t=u3O8f9hnfmlf3422gc8D4g&s=19
The Governors immunity should be removed immediately If they steal they should face trial immediately. Most times no be federal government dey cause underdevelopment… Na our wicked governors. But VP immunity should be sustain -V_O_AKwaIbom
Today’s move seems like a disappoinment to Nigerians who were hoping that the bill having passed second reading would see the break of the day, bring a change and hold leaders accountable. However, such hopes were cut short as the bill’s life has been cut short abruptly as the leader of the House, Prof Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion to rescind the passage of the bill and to be relisted for further debate.
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Could Nigerians actually rely on political leaders to deliver their mandate? one continues to wonder what has happened to transparency, accountability and holding the interest of the masses in high esteem. What is your thought as the lawmakers revokes it’s decision on the bill which has passed second reading?
