The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) yesterday described as a setback for transparency, plans by the National Assembly to give lawmakers immunity from prosecution. SERAP was reacting to the proposed constitution amendment triggered by the legislators in the buildup of the allegations against Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

In a statement signed by the group’s executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, the lawmakers were accused of trying to shield Saraki and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara from prosecution over alleged corruption.

He said the proposed immunity for lawmakers tantamount to breaking the law, demanding an end to the process.

Describing the move as a clear breach of public trust and a form of political corruption, he challenged civil society groups to vigorously challenge the lawmakers.

“It is a huge setback for transparency, accountability and the rule of law that the same privileged and powerful leaders of parliament who regularly make laws that consign powerless Nigerians to prison for even trivial offences, want to establish elite immunity to protect themselves from the consequences of corruption and money laundering: “That is the Nigerian justice system in a nutshell. This is called breaking the law.

“This initiative by the leaders of the National Assembly is coming at a time countries like Guatemala has voted unanimously to strip their president of immunity from prosecution for corruption. “The message the leadership of the National Assembly is sending to us is clear: in Nigeria, powerful and influential actors must not be and are not subject to the rule of law. It’s simply not proper for lawmakers to be the chief advocates of immunity for corruption,” stated Mumuni.

Continuing, the SERAP boss said: “This is an unacceptable proposition as it gives the impression that both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House and others are above the law.

“If the leaders of the National Assembly should have their way, this will shield the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives from any legal accountability and rob millions of Nigerians of their rights to accountable government.

“Public officials who are genuinely committed to the well-being of the state and its people, and to the estab­lishment of an effective and functioning system of administration of jus­tice, should have absolutely nothing to fear.

“We will work with other members of the civil society to vigorously challenge this gift of immunity against corruption and blatant breach of public trust by the National Assembly.”

http://thenationonlineng.net/serap-condemns-proposed-immunity-for-lawmakers-2/

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IF a law maker stole billions of naira, he wont be prosecuted but if a 15years old boy steals five naira salt at d market, he will be beaten,arrested and sentence to jail. "NIGERIA is finished in advance, the sooner u take heed and move to other country with ur family, the better 4 u.