A former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), has called for a constitutional amendment to remove the immunity clause protecting the President and State governors from prosecution while in office.
Agabi made the call in Abuja while delivering the 15th Convocation Lecture of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), themed “Nigeria Against Corruption.”
He urged the National Assembly of Nigeria to act swiftly, arguing that the immunity provision, though originally intended to safeguard the stability of public offices, has been widely abused.
“Now that that provision has been exploited to the extent that it threatens the very foundation of the nation, it is time to remove it,” he said, insisting that no individual should be above the law.
While acknowledging concerns that scrapping immunity could expose office holders to politically motivated prosecutions, Agabi maintained that the risks are outweighed by the damage caused by retaining the clause.
He also stressed the need for credible elections ahead of the 2027 general polls, warning that Nigeria cannot effectively tackle corruption without electoral integrity.
“If we are ever going to free ourselves from corruption, we must first have free and fair elections. So far, our elections have been far from free or fair,” he said.
Agabi argued that flawed electoral processes often produce leaders who undermine public trust and set poor ethical standards.
Beyond governance, he criticised Nigeria’s education system, describing it as disconnected from national needs and partly responsible for entrenched corruption. He called for reforms that combine academic learning with practical and vocational skills.
“Our universities must teach not just the use of the mind, but also the use of the hands,” he stated.
He further decried malpractice in tertiary institutions, including irregular admissions, examination fraud, cultism, and unethical practices, warning that these issues have eroded the credibility of higher education.
On politics, Agabi cautioned against the dangers of high-stakes competition for public office, noting that excessive benefits attached to political positions often fuel desperation and violence.
He proposed the creation of a National Integration Commission to promote unity and ensure merit-based appointments in public service.
The former AGF also warned that the principle of separation of powers has been weakened, particularly at the state level, where legislatures often operate under executive influence.
“The leaders must themselves be above suspicion. Only then can they command respect and obedience,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of NOUN, Uduma Oji Uduma, described corruption as a moral crisis undermining Nigeria’s institutions, warning that societal tolerance continues to fuel its spread.
He called for a renewed commitment to accountability and ethical conduct, stressing that national development depends on integrity across all sectors.