On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed 42 constitutional amendment bills through second reading, marking another step in the ongoing process to review and amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Among the notable proposals was a bill seeking to remove the immunity granted to the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies, with the aim of curbing corruption, eliminating impunity, and enhancing accountability in public office.
This development comes a day after the House passed 39 other constitutional amendment bills through second reading, bringing the total number of constitutional amendment bills currently under consideration to 81.
Key Constitutional Amendment ProposalsAmong the significant bills that progressed to second reading on Wednesday are:
1. Bill to Remove Immunity for Vice President, Governors, and Deputies
This bill seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution by qualifying the immunity granted to the President and completely removing the immunity enjoyed by the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies.
The goal is to reduce corruption, prevent abuse of power, and ensure public officials are held accountable while in office.
2. Bill to Separate the Offices of the Attorney-General and Minister/Commissioner of Justice
This amendment seeks to split the roles of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and State Attorneys-General from those of the Minister of Justice at the federal level and Commissioners for Justice at the state level.
The proposed change aims to enhance the independence of legal and prosecutorial functions in government.
3. Bill to Grant Equal Citizenship Rights to Spouses of Nigerian Women
This amendment would ensure that foreign spouses of Nigerian women are granted Nigerian citizenship, just as foreign spouses of Nigerian men currently enjoy.
It also seeks to establish a minimum quota for the appointment of youth and women into certain public offices, promoting gender and generational inclusivity in governance.
4. Bills for the Creation of New States
Several bills were presented for the creation of new states, including:
Ijebu State
Ife-Ijesa State
Tiga State
Orlu State
Etiti State
Legislative Progress
The House of Representatives did not engage in debate over the proposed amendments during Wednesday’s session. Instead, the bills were approved for second reading, bringing the total number of constitutional amendment bills currently under consideration to 81.
These proposals now move to the next stage in the legislative process, where they will be subjected to further scrutiny, public hearings, and deliberations before potential approval and transmission to the Senate and state legislatures for ratification.
