31 March 2025 :
The Nigerian Federal House of Representatives on March 27, 2025 reversed its decision on the second reading of two controversial bills: one aimed at stripping the Vice President, governors, and deputy governors of their immunity, and another advocating for the abolition of the death penalty.
The reversal was made after Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion during Thursday’s (March 27) plenary, which was presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The bill seeking to remove immunity for the Vice President, governors, and their deputies, which passed second reading on Wednesday, was sponsored by Solomon Bob, a lawmaker from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Rivers State. Bob stated that the bill’s intent was to “promote accountability in public office” by eliminating the immunity currently granted to these high-ranking officials.
Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution grants immunity to the President, Vice President, governors, and deputy governors, stating that they cannot be subjected to civil or criminal proceedings during their time in office. The provision also ensures that they cannot be arrested or imprisoned, nor compelled to appear in court during their tenure.
Additionally, the House also rescinded its decision on the bill seeking to abolish the death penalty. The bill, which is sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu along with six other lawmakers, proposes an amendment to Section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
This section currently states: “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.” The proposed amendment seeks to remove the phrase, “Save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”
“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,” Kalu said.
