Constitution review: Govs insist on immunity clause

Posted by admin Constitution, Governors Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

May 9, 2012 by Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja 72 Comments

Governors are expected to meet in Abuja on Wednesday (today) in a bid to stop the planned removal of the immunity clause from the constitution.

According to Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, the clause, no civil or criminal proceeding shall be instituted against the President, Vice-President, governors and their deputies while in office.

The Justice Alfa Belgore committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan had recommended the removal of the clause.

Other areas slated for amendment in the constitution by the committee are the Land Use Act, devolution of powers, creation of states, recognition of the six geo-political zones and roles for traditional rulers.

However, the governors are said to be angry that if recommendation for the removal of the clause is allowed to scale through, it is capable of distracting them in carrying out their assignments.

Therefore they summoned today’s meeting to set up a committee to harmonise their position which they are likely going to present to the Senate Committee headed by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

One of the governors, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said, “We have called for an emergency meeting, which will hold in Abuja on Wednesday (today) by noon.

“We will use the meeting to deliberate on the proposed amendment to the constitution and other national issues.

“You must have been told that the Senate has set up a committee on the amendment to the constitution. We have to come and discuss our position and make it known to the committee.

“We are not comfortable with the desire to remove immunity from the constitution. This is not because we are criminals, but we need time to face our duties.

“If any governor commits crime while in office, you wait until he is out of office, then get him arrested and charge him to court.”

The governors are also expected to discuss security issues, especially the Boko Haram menace in the country.

Other issues slated for discussion are how the money realised from the removal of subsidy since January would be shared.

The meeting is also expected to take a final stand on the governors’ demand that revenue allocation formula be reviewed. They want the 35 per cent for the Federal Government; 42 per cent, states; 23 per cent, Local Government Areas.

The Director-General of the Nigeria Governors Forum, Mr. Asishana Okauru, confirmed the meeting, but declined to give details of its agenda.

-Punchwp_posts