By Ayodele Oni
Edo State has set the path for full autonomy of the legislative and judicial arms of government with the signing by Governor Monday Okpebholo the state House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023 and the Judiciary Financial Autonomy 2023 Amendment Bill into law.
Under the new laws, the Assembly and judiciary will submit proposals to the executive for approval before accessing funds for capital projects.
The governor signed the bills on Monday at Government House, Benin City, while receiving the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Prince Yekini Idiaye.
He commended the lawmakers for the swift passage of the legislation, saying he was pleased that the issue had been resolved.
“I am indeed delighted because this has become like a controversial law, I must confess to you.”
He explained that the three arms of government — the executive, legislature and judiciary — had distinct responsibilities and should operate within their constitutional mandates.
According to him, the executive is responsible for administration and implementation, while the legislature makes laws and performs oversight functions and the judiciary interprets laws and punishes offenders.
“For me, deviating from these is totally out of the field of play, changing the goal post. I saw danger in it and the way things were going.”
Okpebholo revealed that he was concerned that funds meant for capital projects were no longer reaching the people, adding that such projects were the most visible way government could improve the lives of residents.
He commended the lawmakers for what he described as standing by the people, saying their action demonstrated their commitment to the development of Edo State.
Earlier, Idiaye stated that the legislation did not remove the financial autonomy of the House of Assembly or the judiciary.
He explained that recurrent expenditure would continue to go to the Assembly and judiciary, while the amendment addressed the management of capital funds.
“It is the capital part of the funds that has issues. It was badly abused,” the speaker added.
Idiaye said the governor’s position was aimed at preventing further abuse of capital funds by ensuring that the executive handles the capital component through the appropriation process.
“The autonomy is still in place, there is no fear on any side, and the unions should not have any fear,” Idiaye said, adding that workers’ salaries were not affected by the amendment.
“I believe they have not been properly briefed, but the autonomy is still in order and the workers’ salaries are not touched.”
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