The National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralph Nwosu, on Thursday in Abuja condemned moves by the National Assembly to remove the immunity clause for presidents and governors.
Nwosu expressed the view in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
He said the removal of the immunity clause from the constitution would cause a major setback for elected officials in their determination to deliver the dividends of democracy.
According to him, the idea will mean dragging chief executives from one court issue to another for prosecution over financial crimes.
“We in the ADC do not support the idea; it will deter governors who want to work from doing their work effectively.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has a list of ex-governors accused of financial crimes so they can go after them; that is enough work for them to do.
“Let those who are serving be allowed to do their work and at the expiration of their tenure, they can be prosecuted if there is any financial crime”, Nwosu said.
NAN reports that members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday endorsed new amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
A major highlight of the endorsement was the removal of the immunity clause for the president, the vice president, the governors and their deputies.
By implication, occupiers of the offices can be tried for criminal offences while still in office.
A total of 252 lawmakers voted to adopt 71 new clauses added to the constitution. (NAN)
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