*Says, it should cover the three arms for balanced government.

By: Ovedhe Jerry

Delta State People’s Democratic Party Legal Adviser, Barr. Bernard Odior has supported immunity clause for the Senate President and his deputy.

He said the immunity clause will give them enough time to attend to legislative matters and also to carry out their oversight function without hindrances from litigation.

Odior made this known to newsmen at Ozoro headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

He emphasized that, the bill for the amendment of immunity clause as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) section 308 should be extended to heads of the Judiciary too.

Odior added that, if the head of the executive should be immune to criminal and civil proceedings while in office, the head of the Legislature and the Judiciary should also enjoy same to allow for a balanced government.

“For instance, we can see the current Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki who is being pre – occupied with criminal litigation in the Code of Conduct Tribunal, and this has not been giving him enough time to attend to legislative matters in the house appropriately”.

“The principal Officers are the alter ego of the National Assembly and whatever affects the National Assembly invariably affects the Nation and the National Assembly will be in disarray. This does not give smooth running of governance if constantly brought before court”. He added.

Odior however made reference to the theory of separation of Powers that put the three arms of government on equal powers and footing which according to him should be embraced.

He also recommended that the heads of the three arms be immune to criminal and civil proceedings while in office but that if they are found wanting, after the end of their tenure they can be brought to book to face trials so that others will learn for the sake of good governance and focus.