The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the abolition of security vote for the president and governors in the country.
NLC calls for abolition of security vote, immunity
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.
NLC hails court for declaring 45% electricity tariff illegal
Recommended articles
![People crossing the highway [TGN]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "People crossing the highway [TGN]")
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.
"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.
ADVERTISEMENT
"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.’’
Also, Waba called for the removal of the immunity clause from the constitution, to enable the president, his vice, governors and their deputies to be prosecuted for a criminal offence.
He noted that such political leaders in other parts of the world do not enjoy immunity against criminal prosecution, adding that Nigeria should not be an exception.
The NLC president said that immunity was hindering the fight against corruption and decried a situation whereby political office holders could not be prosecuted for criminal offence.
ADVERTISEMENT
"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 Obansajo till now, it is still ongoing."
Waba said that nobody should be given immunity against criminal prosecution while in office.
He, therefore, stressed the need to review the constitution to address loopholes that gave room for some political leaders to steal the commonwealth.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
ADVERTISEMENT
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng
Recommended articles
Security, govt officials have turned banditry into business venture, Gov laments
Makinde signs monumental deal with Shell to build gas distribution network in Oyo
Tinubu set to commission 3 critical gas infrastructure projects
You won't believe how many Lagosians were arrested in 1 year for crossing highways
Man caught trying to smuggle snakes on plane — it's not the first time
Kwara public school wonderkid scores 95 in maths, 362 overall in UTME
70 plane passengers suffer diarrhea crisis during chaotic flight
Peter Obi sent a former Vice President’s son to beg me - Reno Omokri
Nigeria is first African country to acquire this device
ADVERTISEMENT
![Navy recruits 1,486 personnel to tackle oil theft, piracy – Minister [NAN]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Navy recruits 1,486 personnel to tackle oil theft, piracy – Minister [NAN]")