Immunity Removal Will Slow Down Governance – NGO

A non-governmental organisation, Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI) has said that  removal of immunity from the president and other public office holders may slow down governance.
Mr Denis Aghanya, executive secretary of ARDI, told newsmen, yesterday in Lagos that removal of immunity would  open doors for multiple litigations against such leaders.
Recall that the Senate was seeking an amendment of the 1999 Constitution to disallow immunity in criminal matters being enjoyed by the president, vice president, governors and their deputies.
The decision followed a Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the 1999 Constitution  to qualify criminal liability for certain public officers under Section 308.
The bill  sought to exclude the public officers from  criminal liability where the offence involves misappropriation of funds belonging to the federal, state or local governments among others.
It was sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.
Aghanya said: “With sincere commitment from our lawmakers, I am convinced that the bill will sail through.
“There is no doubt that removing immunity from our president and all the other officers mentioned will slow down governance.
“ It will open doors for multiple litigation against such leaders.