The House of Representatives has reversed its earlier decision on the second reading of a bill aimed at removing immunity from the Vice President, governors, and their deputies, as well as another bill proposing the death penalty.
During Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion for the reversal. The House decided to withdraw the passage of the bills at the second reading stage to allow for further debate on specific provisions.
The proposed bill was originally introduced to combat corruption, eliminate impunity, and promote greater accountability in governance. However, lawmakers opted to subject key aspects of the bill to further discussion before proceeding.
READ ALSO: Man Dies by Suicide After Sharing Distress Signals on Social Media
On Wednesday, the House had advanced 42 constitutional amendment bills past the second reading, including one seeking to abolish the immunity granted to top government officials.
Additionally, on Thursday, a bill proposing amendments to the 1999 Constitution to establish the office of a Prime Minister as head of government and a President as head of state successfully passed its second reading. This bill is part of 32 constitutional amendment bills considered by the House that day.
Another significant bill that moved forward seeks to amend the constitution to reserve specific seats for women in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.
