Edo Assembly Amends Financial Autonomy Laws Amid Protests
The Edo State House of Assembly has amended the financial autonomy laws governing the state legislature and judiciary, despite protests from workers, civil society groups and members of the legal profession.
The amendments were approved during plenary on Monday, August 24, following days of tension over fears that the changes could weaken the financial independence previously granted to the two arms of government.
Edo Lawmakers Clarify Financial Autonomy Changes
The controversy began after the House listed two bills for consideration on August 19: the proposed repeal of the Edo State Judiciary Financial Autonomy Law, 2023, and the Edo State House of Assembly Funds Management Law, 2023.
The move immediately sparked opposition from the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), civil society organisations and the Nigeria Bar Association, Benin Branch.
Assembly workers also protested and demanded an explanation from the leadership of the House.
However, the newly elected Speaker, Yekini Idaiye, told the protesting workers that the laws were not being scrapped as initially feared.
According to him, the House was seeking to amend specific provisions of the laws, particularly those relating to capital expenditure, while leaving recurrent expenditure untouched.
Lawmakers Say Amendments Will Strengthen Accountability
During consideration of the bills by the Committee of the Whole, lawmakers defended the proposed changes, arguing that the amendments were necessary to improve accountability and strengthen checks and balances in the management of public funds.
The lawmakers said existing arrangements did not provide sufficient oversight for financial transactions involving capital projects under the legislature and judiciary.
They maintained that the amendments would introduce stronger controls over the release and use of funds for major projects while preserving the financial autonomy of the two institutions.
The House also rejected the suggestion that the amendments amounted to a complete withdrawal of financial autonomy.
Instead, lawmakers argued that the changes were designed to ensure that capital projects are executed through proper procedures and with greater financial oversight.
PASAN, Others Had Raised Concerns
The development had earlier triggered strong reactions from workers within the Assembly.
PASAN argued that its members had fought for years before financial autonomy was granted under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, and questioned any attempt to alter the existing arrangement.
The protests added pressure on the Assembly as lawmakers moved ahead with consideration of the bills.
Despite the opposition, the House proceeded with the amendments after the Speaker explained the scope of the proposed changes.
Assembly Approves Amendments to Two Laws
The motion for the amendment of the Edo State House of Assembly Funds Management Law was moved by the Majority Leader, Osezua Ojezele, and seconded by Deputy Speaker Osawonyi Atu, representing Orhionmwon I Constituency.
Ojezele said the changes were intended to strengthen government institutions, reduce opportunities for corruption and fraud, and protect the independence of the legislature.
A separate motion seeking amendments to the Edo State Judiciary Financial Autonomy Law, 2023, was also moved by Ojezele and seconded by Addeh Emankhu Isibor, representing Esan North-East I Constituency.
Both proposals received the backing of the lawmakers during plenary.
Amended Bills Sent to Governor for Assent
Following the passage of the amendments, Speaker Yekini Idaiye directed the Clerk of the House to prepare and transmit clean copies of the amended bills to the Edo State Governor for assent.
The development now puts the next step in the hands of the governor as the state continues to debate how financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary should be managed.
