House of Reps reverses decision on bill to remove immunity for VP, Governors

The Nigerian House of Representatives has backtracked on a bill aimed at stripping the Vice President, state governors, and their deputies of immunity from prosecution.

The reversal came on Thursday after Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere introduced a motion urging lawmakers to reconsider their stance.

This shift follows the bill’s approval for a second reading just a day earlier, during Wednesday’s plenary session led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

The bill sought to amend Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, retaining immunity for the President while removing it for other top executive officials. Supporters, including its sponsor Solomon Bob, argued that lifting immunity would promote accountability and strengthen Nigeria’s fight against corruption.