The House of Representatives on Wednesday advanced 42 constitutional amendment bills, following 39 others passed on Tuesday, bringing the total to 81 bills that have scaled second reading.
One of the most notable amendments seeks to remove immunity from prosecution for the vice president, governors, and their deputies, aiming to curb corruption, eradicate impunity, and enhance accountability in public office.
Key Constitutional Amendment Bills Passed
Some of the most significant proposals include:
- Removal of Immunity for Vice President and Governors – This amendment seeks to strip the vice president, governors, and their deputies of legal immunity, allowing them to be prosecuted while in office. The president’s immunity remains, but it is now “qualified,” meaning it could be subject to certain exceptions.
- Separation of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Offices – This bill proposes splitting the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice into two separate offices at both federal and state levels to enhance legal independence.
- Citizenship Rights for Spouses of Nigerian Women – This amendment aims to grant citizenship to foreign spouses of Nigerian women, addressing gender-based legal disparities.
- Mandatory Youth and Women Representation – The bill specifies a minimum quota for youth and women in certain government appointments, promoting gender equality and youth inclusion in governance.
- Creation of New States – The House is considering bills to create Ijebu State, Ife-Ijesa State, Tiga State, Orlu State, and Etiti State, expanding Nigeria’s current 36-state structure.
These bills have now passed second reading and will proceed to committee review, where lawmakers will fine-tune their provisions before moving to third reading and final passage. If approved by the National Assembly, they will require endorsement from at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies before they can be signed into law by the president.
If successfully enacted, these amendments could have far-reaching effects on Nigeria’s governance, including:
- Increased accountability for high-ranking officials without immunity protection.
- Greater independence for the legal system with the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in separate roles.
- Stronger gender and youth representation in government.
- Potential restructuring of Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape with the creation of new states.
With 81 constitutional amendment bills already in motion, Nigeria is set for a potential historic shift in governance and accountability.
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