The Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to trash any bill from the National Assembly, demanding pension and immunity for its leaders.
Recall that some senators at a retreat on constitution review organised by the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review in Lagos, on Saturday had proposed immunity and life pension for the presiding officers of the National Assembly.
Among others, the senators want the presiding officers of the National Assembly such as the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives to enjoy life pension and immunity.
Reacting to the development on Monday, the anti-corruption crusader described the proposal as outrageous and annoying.
According to him, the Senate seemed to be an institution where members only sought to promote their personal interests.
He said, “I have always said that the Senate seems to be an institution of people who are there to promote their personal interests. Saraki is a former governor. Is he not earning pension in Kwara already? The proposal is annoying, immoral and outrageous; it is the height of insensitivity. These demands show that they don’t fear Nigerians.
“Those pushing for the demands should have asked how the public would react before presenting the demands. I will ask the President to totally disregard the bill. The President should veto such bill if it ever gets to his desk.”
On the immunity for the principal officers of the National Assembly, Sagay said seeking immunity was tantamount to planning for a crime and demanding immunity in advance to cover up.
“Many are still questioning the immunity granted the President and the governors and then some are proposing immunity for senators. Should all Nigerians be asking for immunity then? I am so shocked that some could be dreaming of such outrageous and annoying idea, it is nonsensical,” he added.
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