Group Canvasses Removal Of Immunity For President, Governors

As part of its contributions towards the on-going debate on the review of the 1999  constitution, a Niger Delta-based non-governmental  organisation,   Peoples Encouragers Initiative  (PEIN), has called for the removal of the immunity  clause  for President and Governors in the country.

The Executive Director of the organisation,  Mr Chukuma Nwanhetueze Abraham who spoke to newsmen  at the weekend at Ahoada said that removal of the immunity  clause from the constitution has become  necessary  to stem the endemic  nature of corruption among all categories of public office  holders in the country.

Mr Abraham agued that  recent  events in the country have shown that Governors need to be  probed while in office, contending that, this may not totally eradicate  corruption, but would reduce the level of embezzlement in the country.

He also stressed the need for the practice of true federation and resource control  to engender the  spirit of  competition among states in the country.

Mr Abraham argued  that, the present  system not only deprived states of their autonomy, but  reduced them to the status of beggars.

In his words: “the concept of  true federalism, which Nigeria  practises is not being reflected in a true manner. The federating states  do not enjoy the autonomy they deserve of control over their resources and how they are administered.”

He also stressed the need for the introduction of unicameral legislature to reduce cost  of governance, while the present tenure of office for both Governors  and President be allowed  to remain.

Mr Abraham  urged for the  creation of more  states and local governments in the  country, as well as the guaranteeing of the independence  of the judiciary.

He commended the National  Assembly for involving the people in the process of constitutional amendment, and stressed the need for the views of the people  to be truly reflected in the new constitution that would be produced at the end of the exercise.