… Wants Removal Of Immunity Clause

Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State says he supports the removal of immunity clause from the Constitution.

“It will give equal opportunity to all Nigerians in the face of the law,” Shekarau told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New Jersey, U.S., on Sunday.

He said the purpose of inserting immunity clause in the Constitution had been abused and needed to be removed.

Shekarau said “the immunity clause is for a purpose but because of our failure to exhibit exemplary conduct at leadership level, it is being abused.

“There is no doubt about that from what we have seen so far.

The governor noted the various charges in the courts and the kind of revelations whereby governors, deputy governors and chairmen of local governments reportedly embezzled public funds and connived with fraudulent people to deny people of their rights.

He said the law could not handle such political office holders because of the immunity clause.

“This is sad. Let there be equal treatment of all on the face of the law,” Shekarau said.

The governor, who was on a tour of the U.S. to interact with Nigerians living abroad, advised the National Assembly Constitution Review Committee to also put a proviso that would forestall making false allegation against elected people.

“The only snag is that there must be some provision alongside to deal with whoever is found to have made false allegations.

“If one writes a petition that Gov. Shekarau is a thief and is unable to prove it in the court, he or she must also face the wrath of law.

“But on the surface of it, I don’t think we need immunity, ” Shekarau said.

According to him, the removal of immunity will help to put in checks and balances and make chief executives to be upright.

He also supported independent candidacy, saying that it would give a wider opportunity for more Nigerians to express themselves politically.

“I am for Independent candidacy. This gives a much wider opportunity for citizens to decide who governs them.

“From the attitude where parties manipulate the candidates, denying the public of a credible person to serve them, let there be an open ground.

“If you are an independent candidate and you are able to sell yourself, good luck to you,” Shekarau added.