Metro
Security vote is another form of corruption, NLC declares
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Tuesday, called for the abolition of security votes in the country for the president and state governors, declaration that it is another form of corruption.
The President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, made the call in Abuja, while also advocating the removal of immunity clause from the constitution so that every category of public office holders can answer for their actions even while in office.
According Wabba, security vote had become an avenue for siphoning public funds.
“The issue of security vote is another form of corruption; in fact, there was a particular state which took N1bn 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.
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“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 budget for, including the so-called security vote, so that it can be tracked, to prevent corruption.’’
Wabba further noted that political leaders in other parts of the world did not enjoy immunity against criminal prosecution, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception.
The NLC president also insisted that immunity was hindering the fight against corruption, decrying the situation whereby political office holders could not be prosecuted for criminal offence.
He said: “Even after they leave office, they use their influence and resources they have accumulated to frustrate prosecution.
“I have seen cases that lasted for eight to 14 years and were inconclusive. 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 Obasanjo till now, it is still on-going.
By Timothy Enietan-Matthews
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