Representative Odebunmi Olusegun proposed a bill seeking immunity for serving members of the legislative arm of the government; both state and federal.
The bill seeks protection from prosecution for serving members of both states and the Federal legislature attempts to change Section 308 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
Majority of the Lawmakers supported the bill claiming that it is essential to protect the virtue of the National Assembly.
In any case, the bill has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
However, some other lawmakers opposed the bill claiming that the timing is wrong; given the rise in the violent attacks across the nation.
The opposers also noted that there are already calls for the withdrawal of immunity from governors.
The speaker House of Representative, however, stated that he would only be in support of the bill if it is meant to take effect from 2023.
In any case, the lawmakers are expected to push out the bill to Nigerians for a public hearing.
In the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, immunity only covers the President, Vice President, Governors and their Deputies.
If this bill is passed into law, Lawmakers will be added to the list of the government officials who are under immunity.
