House Of Reps Members seek to Confer Immunity On Themselves

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The House of Representatives have shut themselves against any court action in matters relating to its legislative activities and functions in the National Assembly.

It therefore approved a bill to alter the 1999 Constitution (amended) and provide immunity for the members of the legislature in respect of words spoken or written at plenary sessions and committee proceedings.

Part of the bill will also guarantee that freedom of speech; debates and proceedings in Legislative Houses are not impeached or questioned in any court or place outside of parliament.

Debating the general principles of a bill to alter the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria to guarantee freedom of speech and legislative actions of members of the national assembly, the lawmaker argued that the gesture was to strengthen democracy by guaranteeing unhindered process in lawmaking as well as removing distractions from the works of the legislature.

According to the lawmakers, her immunity was previously trampled by the courts of the land with the collaboration of past military governments.

Sponsor of the bill, Ahmad Ali, PDP, Kwara, noted that certain provisions of the constitution previously incapacitated the legislature from enjoying immunity which is a normal practice in advanced democracies, citing over 35 countries with immune systems for their legislature. “We want to put legislative immunity in the constitution such that in the course of exercising legislative powers, no criminal proceeding can be instituted against the legislature” he said, while leading debate on the bill.

Also speaking, Hon Raphael Ugbokwe, PDP, Imo, who gave insights into the bill, explained that the practice of insulating the legislature from court actions was not synonymous with Nigeria alone as, it is a universal parliament practice.

Hon Ugbokwe, said “America, UK are covered by immunity, lets domesticate our own because it is a universal convention that is applicable everywhere,” adding that we must be courageous to speak out without fear or favour’.

He listed 35 countries which have their immunity domesticated in the constitutions, citing Ghana, Republic of South Africa and Malaysia.

He said “we want to position the legislature to strengthen democracy.

The House has however referred the bill to the constitution review committee for further legislative works, after unanimously voting in its favor.