In a surprising move, the House of Representatives has rescinded its decision on the second reading of a bill seeking to strip the Vice President, governors, and deputy governors of their immunity.

This decision was made after Julius Ihonvbere, the majority leader, moved a motion on Thursday.

The bill, sponsored by Solomon Bob, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Rivers state, aimed to “promote accountability in public office” by removing the immunity granted to these officials.

However, the House has decided to revisit the bill, allowing for further debate and scrutiny.

Section 308 of the Constitution currently grants absolute immunity to the President, Vice President, governors, and deputy governors while in office.

The proposed bill sought to amend this section, qualifying the immunity of the President and removing it entirely for the Vice President, governors, and their deputies.

In addition to reversing the decision on the immunity bill, the House also rescinded its decision on a bill to abolish the death penalty.

This bill, sponsored by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, and six other lawmakers, aimed to amend Section 33 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The proposed amendment would have deleted the phrase allowing for the execution of a person found guilty of a criminal offense. With the decision to revisit both bills, the House has opened the door for further discussion and debate on these critical issues.