President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed not to compromise the autonomy of state legislatures and judiciary in a bid to strengthen democracy and deepen inclusiveness of citizens by guaranteeing fairness for ordinary Nigerians.The Presidential, who spoke today, June 25 when he received the report of the Implementation Committee on Financial Autonomy of State Legislature and Judiciary, said that government will study the report and recommendations, and take an appropriate decision.
“I went through a terrible time getting here for the three times I contested elections. That’s why I want to stabilise the system so that others will not pass through the same experience.
“Both young and ordinary Nigerians depend on leadership to ensure justice is always done. So we must ensure that trust is not compromised. This administration will take the report seriously,’’ he added.
Presenting the report, the immediate past Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, who chaired the committee, Abubakar Malami, said that implementation of the recommendations will entrench constitutionalism, democratic principles and separation of powers.
“The recommendations clearly spell out that if uniform modules for implementation of financial autonomy for state legislature and state judiciary are approved for implementation across 36 states, it will no doubt strengthen Nigeria’s democratic principles, practices and public governance”
Abubakar Malami said that the committee had observed that most states honoured the constitutional provisions for financial autonomy in the breach, than in observance, noting that the legislature and judiciary remain the last hope of the common man and should be given autonomy.
He said that the committee consulted with state governors, Chief Judges of states, Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, Civil Society Organizations and relevant stakeholders, including members of the public.
The Presidential Implementation Committee on Financial Autonomy of State Legislature and State Judiciary was inaugurated by President Buhari on March 22nd, 2019, to fashion out strategies and modalities for implementation of the financial autonomy of the state legislature and state judiciary in compliance with Section 121 (3) of the 1999 constitution (As Amended)
