The Conference of Nigeria Political Party (CNPP) yesterday raised the alarm over moves by the House of Representatives to grant immunity to lawmakers, saying that the bill for that purpose, which scaled through the second reading on Thursday, is a deliberate effort to legalise corruption and other social vices in the country.
CNPP said in a statement issued by its secretary general, Chief Willy Ezugwu that the introduction of the bill at a time when most Nigerians are demanding for the removal of immunity clause in the constitution for state governors, the vice president and president is an outright disregard to the electorate.
The statement described as worrisome attempt by the legislature to enjoy protection from criminal prosecution as is presently being enjoyed by some elected public office holders, and urged the lawmakers to use the ongoing constitution amendment exercise to expunge the immunity clause for the president and state governors, so that they will face prosecution for criminal offences committed while they are still in office.
“This latest effort at shielding lawmakers from being held accountable as representatives of the people will only worsen the distrust in which Nigerians hold this class of politicians,” CNPP said.
The group warned that the move by the House of Representatives would increase the level of corruption in the country, and called on Nigerians to oppose moves by the lawmakers to extend the immunity clause to include them.