NLC calls for abolition of security vote, removal of immunity clause
Wed Jul 20, 2016 12:05:pm National
3K By Buchi Obichie
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called for the removal of the immunity clause from the constitution, and the abolition of security vote for the President and Governors in the country.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, the President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, said that security vote was a form of corruption, and had become an avenue for siphoning public funds.
He said: "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.
"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.''
Speaking on the issue of the immunity clause, Wabba said it was hindering the fight against corruption and should be removed as was obtainable in other parts of the world, so political office holders could be made to answer for their crimes.
According to the NLC President, 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.
In his words, "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 ongoing."
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, the President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, said that security vote was a form of corruption, and had become an avenue for siphoning public funds.
He said: "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.
"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.''
Speaking on the issue of the immunity clause, Wabba said it was hindering the fight against corruption and should be removed as was obtainable in other parts of the world, so political office holders could be made to answer for their crimes.
According to the NLC President, 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.
In his words, "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 ongoing."
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