A bill for a law seeking amendment of the 1999 Constitution to extend immunity to Presiding Officers of the National Assembly has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The Bill prescribes immunity for Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives as well as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly
Sponsored by Chairman House committee on Information, Mr. Odebunmi Olusegun, the Bill was designed to protect the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly from distraction caused by unnecessary legal actions against Presiding Officers.
According to Odebunmi Olusegun, the legislature is important to survival of democracy, hence the need to further protect the legislative arm of government.
Mr. Odebunmi Olusegun said the bill would also empower Presiding Officers to conduct their legislative duties without fear or favor.
However, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila dissociated himself from content of the bill adding that if passed, it should take effect from 2023 when tenure of the current Presiding Officers would have expired.
Muhammed Tsibiri