Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumuni Jibrin, has stated that only the President and Vice President should enjoy immunity, and that Governors and their Deputies should be stripped of the privilege, considering the current circumstance of the country.

Jibrin, who made this submission on Channels TV Sunrise Programme on Thursday, said it was wrong to argue that immunity should be conferred on the Legislature as being enjoyed by top members of the Executive.

He added that conferring immunity on presiding officers of the National Assembly will not guarantee the independence of the Legislature, saying that “the timing of the issue is wrong. It is an embarrassment for the House to even consider it at a time when supporting the anti corruption war of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration should be utmost priority of all.”

According to him, immunity for presiding officers sends a wrong signal stressing that "you have to come very clean when coming to the National Assembly and not believe you would have a chance to be covered.

“Immunity for presiding officers at this time is not being fair to the country,” Hon. Jibrin said. “Parliaments the world over are meant to be open and there is none that enjoys immunity.

“There are lots if issues to deal with including corruption and it will send a wrong message if we take this bill.

“I respect the National Assembly and presiding officers but the interest of our country is paramount. Investigations will not distract them.”

•Photo shows Hon. Abdulmumuni Jibrin.