A Bill for an Act to Alter Section 308 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to extend Immunity to cover presiding officers of legislative Institutions has been presented on the floor of the 9th House of Representatives.
The bill was reintroduced by a member of the house, Odebunmi Olusegun and seconded by Oloye Alabi, after it was rejected during the 8th house.
Mr Olusegun who lead the debate stated that the legislature is the bedrock of any democratic government, hence the need to guard presiding officers from being coerced and barred from discharging their duties.
Other lawmakers spoke in favour and against the bill.
In his contribution, the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, who presided over sitting wondered about the timing of the Bill and said if passed, it’s implementation may have to start from the 10th Assembly.
The Bill was voted on, passed for second reading and referred to the special adhoc committee on review of the Nigerian constitution.
If it becomes law, principal officers of the legislative arm of government at the federal and state levels are going to be the beneficiaries.
