Why We Rescinded Second Reading On Immunity Bill, One Other-Reps Spokesperson
By our correspondent
The House of Representatives has clarified it’s decision to rescind its decision on two Constitution Amendment Bills.
In a statement , the spokesperson of the House, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr, said the decision was to allow for extensive deliberations and as a response to widespread calls for comprehensive constitutional reforms that reflect the aspirations of Nigerians, saying the House of Representatives remained committed to a thorough review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
He said, “Recognising the need for a structured and non-politicised process, the 10th Assembly set a December 2025 deadline for concluding the ongoing 6th Alteration to the Constitution, ensuring ample time for due process before the next election cycle.
“As part of this effort, the House has prioritised 120 Constitution Amendment Bills upon resumption of legislative activities this week, fast-tracking their legislative progression, particularly at the second reading stage.
“This enables their referral to the House Committee on Constitution Review (HCCR), a multi-partisan body with broad regional, state, and gender representation, responsible for reviewing these proposals before the Zonal Public Hearings for nationwide stakeholder engagement.
It could be recalled that the House had during plenary on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, passed 42 Constitution Amendment Bills for second reading, including: “a bill to Amend the Constitution to Qualify the Immunity of the President and Remove the Immunity of the Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors (HB. 1664) – sponsored by Rep. Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), which aims to curb corruption, eradicate impunity, and enhance accountability in public office, according to the sponsor.
Another is a bill to Amend the Constitution to Review Penalties for Certain Capital Offences in Line with International Best Practices (HB. 2120) – Sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and six others”.
Speaking further, the spokesperson said, “These bills, along with 40 others, were passed for second reading without debate, in accordance with the provisions of the House Standing Orders (Eleventh Edition), and were referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review.
“However, during plenary on Thursday, March 27, 2025, the House resolved to rescind the passage of these two bills and relist them for second reading to allow for a more extensive and robust debate on their general principles.
“This decision – reaffirmed by Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who presided over the session underscores the House’s commitment to diligent and transparent lawmaking, particularly on sensitive legislative matters.
“For the avoidance of doubt, at the first and second reading stages, the content of any bill reflects solely the views of its sponsor(s) and not the position of the House or its leadership. The House formally engages with a bill only after it progresses to the Committee Stage, where public hearings are conducted.
“These bills have not been discarded or removed from consideration. They remain part of the legislative process and will be revisited at a later date.
“The decision to rescind their passage for second reading is in line with the House Standing Orders (Eleventh Edition) and is intended solely to allow for thorough debate before further legislative action.
“The 10th Assembly remains resolute in its commitment to Law Reform (Agenda 3) under the Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) of the People’s House,”
