On Thursday, the House of Representatives of Nigeria reversed its earlier decision to advance two constitutional amendment bills for second reading. The first bill sought to remove the immunity granted to the Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors under Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution. The second bill aimed to amend the Constitution to review the penalties for certain categories of offenses.
Both bills were initially passed for second reading on Wednesday and subsequently referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further deliberation. However, in a surprising move, the House decided to rescind its decision, effectively halting the legislative progress of these amendments.
Implications of the Bills
1. Removal of Immunity for Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors
Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution currently provides immunity to these officials from civil and criminal prosecution while in office.
The proposed amendment aimed to strip them of this protection, making them legally accountable for any offenses committed during their tenure.
2. Review of Penalties for Certain Offenses
The second bill sought to amend the Constitution to reassess penalties for specific categories of crimes.
The goal was to ensure that penalties align with current legal and social realities.
Reasons for the Rescission
While the House did not explicitly state the reasons for reversing its decision, possible factors may include:
Legal and Political Concerns: The removal of immunity could expose public office holders to lawsuits and political harassment, potentially affecting governance.
Legislative Strategy: The House may require further consultations before advancing such significant constitutional amendments.
The House of Representatives’ decision to rescind the progression of these constitutional amendment bills underscores the complexities involved in constitutional reforms.
While both bills addressed critical governance and legal issues, their withdrawal suggests a need for further deliberation and consensus-building before any significant changes to the Constitution can be made.