A bill seeking to remove the immunity enjoyed by the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill is part of 42 constitutional amendment proposals that were considered on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Lawmakers believe the move will curb corruption, end impunity, and improve accountability in government.
This follows the approval of 39 constitutional amendment bills in the chamber on Tuesday, bringing the total number of bills that have passed second reading to 81.
Some of the major constitutional changes debated on Wednesday include:
- A proposal to remove immunity for the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies to ensure they can be held accountable while in office.
- A proposal to separate the roles of the Attorney-General from the Minister of Justice, both at the federal and state levels.
- A proposal to grant citizenship rights to spouses of Nigerian women and set a minimum number of youth and women to be appointed into public offices.
- Proposals for the creation of new states, including Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti.
The bills were not debated during the session, but they will move forward for further review and possible passage.
Lawmakers pushing for the removal of immunity argue that it will reduce corruption and abuse of power in high offices. If passed, elected officials will no longer be shielded from prosecution while in office.
The constitutional amendment process will continue in the House before the bills move to the Senate and state assemblies for approval.
