"Today, Nigeria's major problem is corruption, which is a product of this clause (Section 308) that shielded these public office holders from prosecution for crimes and offenses committed before and while in office."
Lawmakers at the National Assembly have been asked to amend Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that gives immunity for highest public office holders.
These highest public office holders – President, Vice-President, Governor, and Deputy-Governor – hide under this immunity clause to perpetrate corruption in the country, according to Omo'ba Abayomi Adesanya, Ondo State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
"Today, Nigeria's major problem is corruption, which is a product of this clause (Section 308) that shielded these public office holders from prosecution for crimes and offenses committed before and while in office," he said in the statement obtained by SaharaReporters.
Mr. Adesanya stated that the clause should be expunged completely from the constitution as it portends anti-democratic tendencies that aid corruption and criminality.
The APC spokesman revealed that the clause has done more harm than good while allowing criminals to perpetrate corruption and malfeasance.
"It is appalling that some governors, who are chief executives and chief security officers of their States, are inciting members of the public to maim and kill people.
"Some aid thugs to beat up judicial officers and judges as it was witnessed in Ekiti, Rivers and some other States, yet these governors are covered by this evil law called immunity.
"It is on record that some incumbent State governors have criminal charges hanging on their necks in various courts in the country, ranging from killings, cyber crimes and criminal diversion of public funds.
"Typical examples are the cases of James Ibori of Delta State, Lucky Igbinedon of Edo State, and Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State," he further alleged in the statement.
Mr. Adesanya observed that most these governors hide under the immunity clause to milk their various States dry of the people's wealth and well-being.
