NLC Calls For Scapping Of Security Vote, Immunity, Others

NIGERIA Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the removal of security vote for the president and governors stating that such unaccountable fund is a contradiction to the principle of accountability in governance.  

NLC President, Ayuba Wabba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja that security vote had become an avenue for siphoning public funds and as a result contributes largely to the attraction to the office and encourages over-zealousness and 'do or die' politics...

“The issue of security vote is another form of corruption; in fact, there was a particular state which took N1 billion in one month as security vote. It is an avenue for corruption. In good governance, all monies spent by government are budgeted and transparently applied.

“That is what happens in other spheres; so for our sake, the issue of security vote should be done away with. All monies to be spent should be transparently budgeted for, including the so-called security vote, so that it can be tracked, to prevent corruption”, he said.

Similarly, Wabba said that immunity which is provided in the country’s constitution has become obsolete and counter-productive noting that it hinders the fight against corruption and particularly creates a situation whereby political office holders could not be prosecuted for criminal offences that are glaring.

The NLC President dispassionately condemned the development decrying that even after they leave office, they use their influence and resources they have accumulated to frustrate prosecution.

He recalled plethora of cases that lasted for eight to 14 years and were inconclusive to the extent that some of these cases outlived the life of the administration that started the probe, due to this particular challenge.

“There are some cases that started before the administration of former President Olusegun Obansajo till now, it is still ongoing”, he said.

He, therefore, stressed the need to review the constitution to address loopholes that gave room for some political leaders to steal public funds and go scot-free adding that nobody should be given immunity against criminal prosecution while in office.