By IKENNA OSUOHA, NAN
A Representative, Igariweh Enwo, lawmaker representing Afikpo North/Afikpo South Federal Constituency, has said that the immunity conferred on Governors by the Constitution prohibits the National Assembly from summoning them for civil and criminal proceedings while in office.
Enwo, who recalled in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday – yesterday, March 12 – that a lawmaker, Ikenga Ugochinyere, recently presented a petition before the floor of the House of Representatives, demanding a probe of the involvement of the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, and the police in the alleged abduction, illegal imprisonment of Ohanaeze Youth President, Mr Igboayaka Igboayaka, said the petition was not only improperly presented, it is also a constitutional infraction.
“By virtue of Section 308(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, certain government officials like the Governors, are protected from civil and criminal proceedings while in office.
“This is known as the “immunity clause”, therefore, the House has no business hearing that petition in the first place because it can not summon the Governor,” he said.
He advised lawmakers to carry out their legislative duties in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.
The lawmaker who expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s democratisation process, said that it is growing.
Enwo affirmed his commitment to the rule of law, saying that he has delivered democratic dividends to his constituency.
