House Moves To Strip Immunity From Vice President, Governors In Sweeping Constitutional Overhaul

Abuja – March 26, 2025:
A significant constitutional amendment bill aimed at removing immunity from prosecution for the Vice President, state governors, and their deputies has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill, which seeks to enhance transparency and strengthen accountability in public office, is part of a broader constitutional review currently underway in the National Assembly. Lawmakers, in a robust legislative session on Wednesday, advanced 42 amendment bills, following the earlier approval of 39 others — bringing the total number of proposed constitutional amendments to 81.

The immunity clause, enshrined in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, currently shields top executive officeholders from civil and criminal prosecution while in office. Critics have long argued that the provision fosters impunity and protects corrupt officials from facing justice.

Proponents of the bill say the removal of this shield will serve as a powerful deterrent against abuse of power, reinforcing public trust in democratic institutions.

In addition to the immunity clause, several other critical amendments are being considered. Among them is a proposal to separate the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and state attorneys-general from that of the Minister of Justice and state commissioners for justice. This separation is expected to promote the independence of the judiciary and prevent undue political interference.

Other progressive bills on the table include:

Granting citizenship rights to foreign spouses of Nigerian women, a long-demanded correction to existing gender bias in the constitution.

Introducing minimum quotas for youth and women in certain federal and state-level appointments, aimed at fostering inclusivity and bridging the representation gap.

Proposals for the creation of new states, including Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti, as a response to agitations for balanced regional development.

The bills now move forward for further legislative scrutiny and potential harmonization with the Senate.

Public Sentiment Growing

The move has sparked widespread public interest, with citizens and civil society organizations urging lawmakers to stay the course. Supporters of the amendment argue that it aligns with global democratic standards where no individual, regardless of rank, is immune from the law.

As the bills progress, Nigerians are encouraged to engage actively in the process by contacting their representatives and voicing support for reforms that prioritize justice and accountability.

This is more than legislation — it’s a defining moment for our democracy. The question now is: Will Nigeria choose transparency or continue shielding the powerful from consequence?

Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Principal and CEO of Bush Radio Academy