Nigerian Lawmakers Urged to Remove Immunity for President, Governors: A Step Towards Accountability and Good Governance

The Alliance For The Defence of Niger Delta (ADND) has urged the National Assembly to repeal the law that grants immunity to the president, vice president, governor, and deputy governor from prosecution.

The NGO argues that this immunity clause has been a barrier to holding state governors accountable for misconduct and mismanagement of public resources.

The ADND also advocates for urgent constitutional amendments to empower traditional rulers and ensure greater accountability among state governors in Nigeria.

They emphasize the unique knowledge and influence of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and order at the grassroots level.

The call for constitutional amendments includes provisions to facilitate the active engagement of traditional rulers in the security affairs of their domains.

This would strengthen the role of traditional institutions in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, promoting effective community policing and protection of lives and property in the Niger Delta region and beyond.

The ADND urges all stakeholders, including lawmakers, government officials, civil society organizations, and the general public, to support these constitutional amendments.

By empowering traditional rulers and ensuring accountability among state governors, Nigeria can address its security challenges and foster a more transparent and responsive governance system for the benefit of all citizens.

In 2020, the House of Representatives began moves to extend immunity to the presiding officers of the Senate, House of Representatives, and state Houses of Assembly, similar to that enjoyed by the president, vice president, governors, and deputy governors.

This proposal, however, has faced reservations from some members of the Green Chamber and society.

The proposed bill, titled “Bill for an Act to Alter Section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to extend Immunity to cover Presiding Officers of Legislative Institutions; and for Related Matters,” aims to amend Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to extend immunity to the aforementioned presiding officers.

Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, currently prohibits legal proceedings against the president, vice president, governors, and deputy governors.

The call for the removal of immunity for the president, vice president, governor, and deputy governor in Nigeria represents a crucial step towards accountability and good governance.

By empowering traditional rulers and ensuring greater accountability among state governors, Nigeria can address its security challenges and foster a more transparent and responsive governance system.