Reps makes u-turn on Immunity, Death Penalty Bills for more debate

The House of Representatives has made a u-turn on the passage of two important bills that had already passed their second reading on Wednesday. One bill sought to reduce immunity for the President, Vice President, Governors, and their deputies, while the other proposed a review of Nigeria’s death penalty laws.

The decision to undo the second reading followed a motion presented by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, during a resumed plenary session on Thursday.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, explained that the reversal would allow more time for lawmakers to debate the bills thoroughly.

“We want to apologise to the sponsors of the bills, but this action is to enable the House to have a further debate considering the importance of the subject matters,” Kalu said.

Sponsored by Hon. Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), the immunity bill seeks to curb corruption, eradicate impunity and enhance accountability in public office and related matters.

The bill states that: “Section 308 of the principal Act is amended by: (a) substituting a new subsection (3) as follows: “(3) This section applies to a person holding the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Vice President only when acting as President in line with Section 145 of this Constitution.”

(b) creating sub section (4) thereto as follows:“(4) The foregoing provisions of this section shall be inapplicable where the person to whom this section applies is acting in an unofficial capacity or where the conduct of the person is beyond the powers of his office or the conduct is criminal in nature”.

The second bill, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and supported by other lawmakers, proposes a review of the death penalty law to bring Nigeria’s criminal justice system in line with international human rights standards. The aim is to ensure that punishments for serious crimes are fair and proportional, while also considering alternative sentencing options that focus on rehabilitation and accountability.

Both bills reflect ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s legal system and improve public trust in its institutions.

James Kwen