The House of Representatives (HouseNGR) should follow the Speaker’s lead and banish the thought of immunity for foremost legislative principal officers
It is, therefore, antithetical to both the letters and spirit of the supreme law of the land for lawmakers to even contemplate shielding themselves from the people; and take preemptive action against prosecution for crimes that might be committed against the people or the state.
Now, it has resurrected in the House of Representatives, where it is gathering steam. Whereas many thought it would not receive any support to push it beyond the first mention at plenary, it had dangerously received acclaim that took it beyond the Second Reading. Now, it’s at the critical Committee stage. We hope the relevant Committee would not be clever by half by rigging the process.
It is true that the new Bill seeks to limit the immunity cover to the presiding officers of the legislative chambers and their deputies, but there is no assurance that it is not a stepping stone to extending it to all lawmakers in the country. That would be a disaster, given the level of indiscipline exhibited by lawmakers, many of whom could be best described as lawbreakers.
It is obvious that legislators have little respect for the people, otherwise a proposed legislation that was so roundly condemned would not have been brought up again, when there is nothing to suggest that the public could be more receptive to it now. Besides, why do the legislators think their presiding officers need immunity, more than presiding officers of the Judiciary?
Fortunately, the House of Representatives alone cannot pass an amendment to the Constitution. It requires the concurrence of the Senate and a minimum of two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly and the President’s assent. However, it is better to kill the intention in the chamber of first mention.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Effects of masturbation - Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, PoliticsDele and Shayo (not real names) have been married for a few years. Shayo is a housewife, taking care of the kids, while Dele goes to work every day. Dele came back from work one fine evening, expecting to get “something light” from his wife after dinner, only for her to say “Dele I have …
Read more »
Police arrest sacked governor's aide for allegedly killing PDP member - Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, PoliticsBy Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki The sacked Ebonyi State government official who allegedly killed his cousin during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government primary in the state has been arrested by the Police. The suspect, Uche Ibiam, was the Coordinator of Ubeyi Development Centre In Afikpo North Local Government Area when he allegedly committed the …
Read more »
Catholic bishops, others for procession against killings - Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, PoliticsGbenga Omokhunu, Abuja Following the unabated killings in the country, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) alongside other churches, are expected to hold a prayer procession on the street of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday. According to the conference, the procession, which will be led by the CBCN President, Archbishop Augustine …
Read more »
Seven things that can damage kidney - Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, PoliticsOur kidneys are small but powerful bean-shaped organs that perform many important functions in the body system.The kidney is responsible for filtering waste products, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, balancing fluids in the body, producing urine, and many other essential tasks.
Read more »
Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know this Saturday morning - Daily Post NigeriaGood morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers 1. The first case of coronavirus in sub-Saharan Africa has been confirmed in Nigeria. The
Read more »