Ogun East Senator, Gbenga Daniel, has called for the removal of immunity for state governors, arguing that only the President and Vice President should enjoy such protection from prosecution.
In an appearance on Channels TV’s Political Paradigm, Daniel argued that state governors have used their immunity to operate with impunity, treating state property as their own and disregarding the legislative arm of government.
This comes after the House of Representatives on March 27 rescinded its decision on a bill seeking to strip the Vice President, governors, and deputy governors of immunity.
However, Daniel called for a clarification of the immunity granted to governors and their deputies, noting that they could be shielded from criminal prosecution.
He said: “Immunity has its good sides, but to a large extent, I think some of our elected governors appear to have abused it, in terms of some of the things they do.
“Some of them have virtually turned the state into their personal fiefdom and think the property of the state belongs to them. They act as though they can do whatever they want, without even recourse to the House of Assembly.
“There is no reason why they should not be held accountable while in office.
“I think that only the President and the Vice President should be allowed to have absolute immunity, so that they can concentrate, and so that no one will be embarrassing the symbol of the country.”