A bill to alter the constitution to extend constitutional immunity to Presiding Officers of the Legislature narrowly scaled through second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
But Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila dissociated himself from the content of the bill saying when passed it should take effect from 2023 when the tenure of the current presiding officers would have expired.
Some members who spoke in favour of the bill, including House Leader, Rep Ado Doguwa said the bill was not about individuals, but about the institution of the parliament.
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The bill seeks to amend section 308 of the constitution to grant immunity to presiding officer of the state and National Assembly.
The lower legislative chamber passed the constitutional amendment bill for second reading at Tuesday’s plenary session.
Some of the lawmakers argued that the bill is not necessary, while others said it is needed to protect the legislative arm from “persecution”.
Those against it said it will send a “wrong signal” to Nigerians at time when the country is facing numerous challenges.
The constitution currently provides for immunity for only the president, governors and their deputies.
The bill sponsored by Odebunmi Olusegun, however, seeks to extend the immunity to the president and deputy president of the senate as well as speaker and deputy speaker of the house of representatives.
Some of those who supported the bill including Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, majority leader, also said it will help the legislative chamber in carrying out their functions.
Ado-Doguwa said: “It should be passed for the simple reason that it provides protection for leaders of the legislature considering the important work of the legislature.”
Toby Okechukwu from Enugu state also spoke in favour of the bill, saying it will guard against the compromise of the legislative arm.
“We are all witnesses to how the presiding officers were subjected to trial. We should avoid such from happening again,” he said.
Nkem Abonta from Abia state said prosecution of any of the presiding officers could affect the performance of the lawmakers.
He said: “The office of the speaker may be harassed in frivolous suit. My morale may be low because my speaker is being harassed.
“When Saraki was taken to court, we felt demoralised. He was freed at last but calculate the embarrassment it caused the institution.”
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