By Our Correspondent
The International President of the Foundation for World Peace and Cultural Re-orientation, Prophet Dr. Ramas Okoye-Asuzu, has called for the immediate removal of the constitutional immunity clause that protects sitting presidents and governors in Nigeria.
Dr. Ramas made this appeal during a public address commemorating his 68th birthday, where he expressed strong concerns that the immunity provision in Nigeria’s constitution has become a tool for fostering corruption and undermining accountability in public service.
According to him, the clause has been “serially abused” by individuals in high office who, emboldened by legal protection, engage in acts of corruption and lawlessness with impunity.
“The political class hides under the shield of constitutional immunity to recklessly violate laws, knowing full well that they cannot be held accountable while in office,” he said.
He noted that the clause gives public officeholders a false sense of invincibility and places them above the law, thereby weakening democratic principles and governance structures.
“This provision has become a license for corruption, and its revocation is necessary to check the excesses of those who exploit it to the detriment of ordinary Nigerians,” Dr. Ramas added.
The traditionalist emphasized the need to abolish the clause in order to restore accountability, justice, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
He stressed that a functional democracy must be rooted in the principle of separation of powers, with the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary operating independently and serving as checks and balances to one another.
Dr. Ramas expressed concern that the Executive arm of government continues to exert undue influence over the other arms, thereby compromising their independence.
“The constitutionally enshrined separation of powers was designed to prevent the misuse of state resources by the Executive. Unfortunately, the Executive arm continues to compromise the Legislature and Judiciary through excessive patronage, turning them into willing tools of manipulation,” he said.
He further lamented the deteriorating state of security across the country, urging all levels of government to take urgent and decisive action to address the rising threats of violence and lawlessness.
Describing the wave of insecurity as “alarming and disturbing,” Dr. Ramas pointed to the inability of the nation’s security forces to respond effectively, attributing this to poor equipment, inadequate training, and structural weaknesses.
“Our armed forces must be trained in contemporary methods of combating insecurity. This is the 21st century; they need to be reformed and equipped with the tools necessary for modern warfare,” he stated.
He also called for a sweeping reform of the Nigeria Police Force, which he said must include the removal of corrupt elements who have contributed to the declining public trust in law enforcement.
Dr. Ramas’s remarks come at a time when calls for constitutional reform, improved security, and public sector accountability continue to resonate strongly across Nigeria
