On Wednesday, the House of Representatives saw the passage of 42 constitutional amendment bills after successfully scaling the second reading. These bills cover a wide range of proposed reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency within Nigeria’s political system.
The proposals reflect the ongoing efforts to address critical issues like corruption, impunity, and representation, which continue to hinder the country’s governance.
Among the significant bills presented was one that seeks to remove the immunity currently granted to the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies.
The bill is aimed at curbing corruption, reducing impunity, and promoting greater accountability in public office.
The immunity clause, which shields public office holders from prosecution while in office, has long been a controversial issue in Nigeria, with critics arguing that it has contributed to widespread corruption and abuse of power.
The proposal to remove the immunity for the Vice President and Governors is part of a broader effort to ensure that all public officeholders are held to the highest standards of accountability.
By lifting these protections, the bill seeks to foster an environment where elected officials are more accountable for their actions, particularly in addressing issues of graft and the misuse of power. The bill has been welcomed by many observers who believe that it could significantly enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s leadership and improve the public’s trust in government institutions.
In addition to the bill on immunity, other notable proposals that successfully passed their second reading on Wednesday include a bill to alter the Constitution to separate the offices of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, as well as the Attorney-General of the States and the Commissioner for Justice.
This amendment aims to create clearer distinctions between the roles of legal advisors to the government and ministers responsible for the administration of justice.
This proposed separation could help eliminate conflicts of interest and ensure that the justice system operates with greater independence and objectivity.
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Another key bill that scaled the second reading is one that seeks to grant citizenship rights to the spouses of Nigerian women. Currently, Nigerian men can automatically confer citizenship on their foreign wives, but women do not have the same privilege.
This amendment aims to rectify that imbalance and ensure equal rights for Nigerian women in the process of granting citizenship. The proposed change reflects ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
Moreover, the bill also proposes the specification of minimum quotas for youths and women in certain government positions. This measure is designed to increase the participation of these groups in governance, ensuring that they have a more significant presence in decision-making roles and political leadership.
By promoting inclusivity, the bill aims to address the underrepresentation of women and youth in Nigeria’s political and administrative structures.
In addition to the broader structural and legal changes, several bills seeking the creation of new states were also introduced. These include the proposals for Ijebu State, Ife-Ijesa State, Tiga State, Orlu State, and Etiti State.
These new state creation bills are driven by local demands for better governance and the desire for more localized administration. Proponents argue that the creation of these states could bring government closer to the people and improve regional development and resource distribution.
These 42 constitutional amendment bills reflect the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian legislature to adapt the country’s governance framework to better meet the needs of its diverse population.
The proposed changes, if passed into law, could mark a significant step forward in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, addressing both structural issues and the call for more inclusive representation.
