EDO SPEAKER CLARIFIES NEW FUNDING RULES FOR ASSEMBLY, JUDICIARY

The new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Yekini Idaiye, has dismissed concerns that recent amendments to state laws have weakened the financial independence of the legislature and judiciary. He explained that the changes are specifically concerned with the management of capital funds and do not affect recurrent expenditure.

Idaiye spoke after Governor Monday Okpebholo signed the Edo House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023 and the State Judiciary Financial Autonomy 2023 Amendment Bill into law on Monday. The Speaker said the amended legislation was not intended to remove the financial autonomy guaranteed to the two arms of government.

According to him, funds meant for recurrent expenses will continue to be made available to the Assembly and judiciary. He explained that the amendment primarily addresses the handling of capital funds, which he said had previously been subject to abuse.

The Speaker said the executive arm would now manage the capital component through the state’s appropriation process. Under the arrangement, the Assembly and judiciary would submit proposals for capital projects to the executive for approval before accessing the funds.

Idaiye assured workers in the affected institutions that their salaries and other recurrent obligations would not be affected by the new arrangement. He also appealed for calm, saying there was no need for unions or workers to fear that the financial autonomy of the legislature and judiciary had been removed.

Governor Okpebholo, while signing the bills, said the three arms of government must operate within their constitutional responsibilities. He explained that his administration was concerned about ensuring that funds allocated for capital projects were properly utilised and ultimately translated into visible development for residents of Edo State.