Calls For Greater Financial Independence Of State Assemblies Intensify

Calls For Greater Financial Independence Of State Assemblies Intensify

The Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly has urgently urged state governors to adhere to constitutional provisions by ensuring direct disbursement of funds to state legislatures……CONTINUE READING 

In a communiqué shared with our correspondent, the Speakers cautioned that non-compliance with financial autonomy could jeopardize governance and stressed the essential connection between legislative independence and effective governance. The statement read, “We call on all state governors to immediately and fully adhere to Section 121(3) of the Constitution by facilitating direct fund transfers to the State Houses of Assembly. This action is not only a constitutional mandate but also crucial for enhancing our democracy and promoting good governance.”

The communiqué continued, “The Conference of Speakers is committed to engaging with key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Federal Government, and civil society organizations, to ensure the full implementation of financial autonomy for state legislatures. We will also work to raise awareness and build consensus on the significance of legislative independence. A monitoring and reporting mechanism will be established to track and address instances of non-compliance.”

It was further noted that there is a recognized need for additional legal and institutional reforms to bolster the autonomy of state legislatures. The communiqué added, “We will advocate for legal reforms and the introduction of new frameworks to strengthen the financial independence of state legislatures. As Speakers, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will continue to advocate for the full implementation of Section 121(3), defending the legislative arm’s autonomy and independence.”

Chairman of the Conference, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, emphasized the critical role of State Houses of Assembly in the ongoing constitutional amendments. He stated, “Our role is to deliberate on constitutional amendments or a new constitution, but the initiative must originate from the National Assembly.”