A former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali-Pantami, has called for the review of immunity clauses for political office holders in the country.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that at present, Nigerian President and his Vice, Governors and their Deputies enjoy immunity under Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.
But speaking during an annual state lecture organised by The Muslims Congress,TMC, on Sunday, Mr Pantami said Islam doesn’t support immunity for leaders.
He noted that abolishing the Act will foster transparency and accountability in governance.
Mr Pantami added that immunity has proven to be problematic for many leaders after leaving office.
“In Islam, there is no immunity. And the immunity may give you a certain privilege while in office.
“When you are no more there, there is no any advantage. Sometimes, it’s good for you, but sometimes it allows you to accumulate so many problems.
“And when you leave office, you will discover after four or eight years someone is being confronted with 10 to 50-count charges, in some situations even 120. So it’s not in any way preventing you from justice, but it’s only delaying and allowing you to commit more and more.
Making reference to prominent Islamic leaders, Mr Pantami said: “Under Islamic rule of law, there is no immunity. Each and every citizen, the leader and the led can be questioned, can be dragged to court, and they must go there and defend themselves.
“It happened with Ali ibn Abi Talib, even as the Khalifa of Muslimun, he was dragged to court. Umar ibn Khatab was also dragged to court. So, rule of law is key. And when it comes to rule of law, there must be equality before that law.”
In his remarks, a former Director of Public Affairs, Voice of Nigeria, VON, AbdusSalam AbdurRazaq, highlighted the contrast between the leadership style of the current set of leaders and that of the Khalifa’s.
He said Muslim leaders in the past didn’t ask their subjects to make sacrifices, while they lived in opulence and enjoyed themselves amidst suffering masses.
“The results of their beliefs in Allah and working their talks include trust in leadership and respect for their persons; rumour was easy to eliminate, leaders worked freely among the people; there was willingness to sacrifice for the Ummah, economy grew, education advanced.
“Romans sent their children to Muslim capitals for learning; and Islam conquered the world and effectively ruled India, Africa, and other parts of the world,” he said.
