TUC Backs Move To Stop National Assembly Leaders From Being Arraigned

The immunity bill aimed at stopping the leadership of the National Assembly from being prosecuted has been supported by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)

The presiding officers include Senate President, Ahmad Lawan and Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege.

Naija News understands that Nigeria’s Constitution, as regards immunity, currently covers only the President, Vice President, Governors and their Deputies.

However, the TUC, through its President Quadri Olaleye in a statement, said the immunity should also be extended to all members of the Houses of Assembly.

The House of Representatives had on Tuesday, passed the bill for second reading, after it was sponsored by Odebunmi Olusegun (APC, Lagos).

The bill is for an Act to alter Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution to extend immunity to cover presiding officers of legislative institutions, and for related matters.

According to Olusegun, the bill was intended to protect the institution of the legislature from the distraction being caused by unnecessary legal actions against the presiding officers.

But the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, faulted the bill.

“Outside here, our people are being killed and butchered. We are coming up with a bill on the issue of immunity while some of us are saying that people should be held accountable for what they do. I think it is wrong and it should not be allowed,” Elumelu had said.