Confab Committee denounces immunity for president, governors, others

The National Conference Committee on Politics and Governance has recommended the removal of Section 305 on Immunity clause from the Nigerian constitution.
The Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Jerry Gana, said the Committee was concerned about the abuse of office by public office holders and the corruption that goes with it.
Gana said the Committee was of the opinion that a message should be sent to Nigerians and office holders that no one is above the law.
He said: “We took decision on the immunity clause and it was a clear consensus so that in the interest of zero to elegance for corruption, to promote good governance, to promote transparency and discipline.
“The fact that we don’t want people going around that the government being above the law, the issue of immunity clause should be removed from our constitution.
“This is not yet the decision of the conference though, but this is what we are presenting to the plenary.”
Saying that the Committee was unanimous in its decision, Gana explained that there was no need for voice vote for the decision to scale through.
He said: “I must say that the entire members of the committee went along with the decision.
“We had no reason to divide the Committee because it was a consensus.
“People yielded to the force of argument, which is what should happen.
“Everybody was for removal but initially some people felt that it should partial, while others felt that it should be total.
“But the weight of the opinion is total because we want to send a very clear message that we should promote zero tolerance for corruption.
“There shouldn’t be any kind of legislative or executive impunity again.
“We must do the rule of law.
“That is how democracy should be.
“We are convinced as a committee that the Conference should send a clear message to Nigerians that no one is above the law.”
Similarly, the Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government has set up a sub-committee that would come out with the most suitable type of government for the country.
At the continued debate on the subject on Tuesday, members argued on the propriety of Presidential, Parliamentary, modified Presidential (French model).
However, when it became apparent that a consensus would not be reached, Co-Chairman, Mohammed Kumaila, suggested entrusting a sub committee with the responsibility of examining all the options and come out with the best form that would meet the aspirations of Nigerians.
The sub-committee is expected to turn in its work on Wednesday for adoption.