The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Financial autonomy

  • ‘Autonomy will strengthen democratic norms at states level’

    Speaker of Kogi House of Assembly Matthew Kolawole on Sunday said that the financial autonomy recently granted states’ Houses of Assembly and the Judiciary would further strengthen democratic norms at the states level.

    Kolawole said this while addressing the people of Ogidi community in Ijumu Local Government Area of the state on the occasion of the 2018 Ogidi Day Celebration.

    The speaker noted that in spite of the autonomy, the three arms of government would continue to work together in synergy for the overall development and benefit of the people and the country.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for taking the bold initiative to assent to the Bill in the overall interest of the people.

    Kolawole commended the organisers of the “Ogidi Festival” for their well-thought out mission and vision to put the festival on the world map of tourism.

    He stressed that the 6th Assembly in the state was already working on a bill to reposition the tourism sector for better performance and make it one of the major contributors to the state’s income.

    According to him, when the bill is passed, it will provide legal framework for the promotion of the sector, promising that the assembly would continue to make laws that will promote good governance in the state.

    Kolawole charged the Ogidi community to continue to support and cooperate with the current government of Gov. Yahaya Bello in its efforts to positively transform the state.

    Ologidi of Ogidi, Oba Rilwan Sule in his response, thanked the speaker and indigenes of Ogidi for making the 2018 edition of the annual festival a success and called on the people to continue to support the government.

    Oba Sule also charged politicians to play by the rules as the 2019 general elections drew close.

    He urged the youth not to allow themselves to be used as thugs and agents of destruction during the electioneering process. (NAN)

  • Financial autonomy

    •State judiciaries cannot function well if still dependent on executive for funds

    THE alarm bell set off by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen(CJN) that the state judiciaries do not enjoy financial autonomy, should ring loud in the hallowed chambers of the federal and state legislators, and it should ring until they do the needful. Perhaps if the legislators tarry, the Attorney-General of the Federation should initiate a bill to further amend the relevant portion of the 1999 constitution, to grant state judiciary the requisite autonomy.

    In his address at the 2018 refresher course for judges and Grand Khadis, last week, the CJN was quoted:”My Lords, it is true that the judiciary at the federal level enjoys full financial independence. Unfortunately, however, the same cannot be said of the state judiciaries.” The absence of financial independence inevitably led to lack of independence in the performance of judicial duties and we believe it is in the common interest of Nigerians that the judiciary is independent.

    So, we urge relevant stakeholder to mobilise to take necessary steps to reverse this anomaly. Indeed, we consider it strange that this piece of information is coming out now, and if it has been out there in the public domain before now, that the required constitutional amendment has not been effected despite the three amendments so far, since the advent of the 1999 constitution. We doubt if anybody, including the current state actors, gain anything from the absence of independence of the state judiciary.

    While awaiting the amendment suggested by the CJN, we encourage the state executives to grant the judiciary the necessary financial autonomy to function independently. We agree with the CJN’s observation that: “The funding of the judiciary is crucial as it is the most important index for assessing its independence.” In the states, because of the absence of a constitutional provision for consolidated revenue account, from which the money due to the state judiciary should be remitted, there is lacuna resulting in the underfunding of the judiciary in many states.

    This is one more fallout of our quasi-unitary constitution. Assuming the states have their constitutions, it is unlikely that there would be no provisions as to the adequate and independent funding of the judiciary, the arm of government empowered to arbitrate between the state and the citizen. So, without adequate funding of the state judiciary, the provision of section 6(6)(b) of the 1999 constitution as amended rings halo, where there is a dispute between the state and a citizen, particularly where the state executive has an interest and is obtrusive to protect same in the high court of a state.

    To really have an independent judiciary at the state level, the advice of the CJN should be taken seriously and necessary changes effected. In his words: “The issue of adequate funding at the state level is one of the greatest challenges confronting the judiciary of this nation. It is imperative that the applicable provisions of the 1999 Constitution be duly amended to solve problems of state judiciaries.” Considering the limited jurisdiction of the Federal High Courts, the need for a well-funded and independent state judiciary cannot be over-emphasised.

    The CJN also harped on the delay and corruption in the judiciary. On delay he said: “My Lords, distinguished guests, the delay in our justice delivery system is of great concern to me as it must be to you all.” We note that the judiciary is addressing that. On corruption, he remonstrated judges to: “refrain from what could tarnish their good image or tamper with their reputation.” We agree with the CJN, and urge all stakeholders to work towards an independent, virile and corrupt-free judiciary.

  • Constitution amendment: Ogun assembly backs independent candidacy, financial autonomy

    Constitution amendment: Ogun assembly backs independent candidacy, financial autonomy

    The Ogun State House of Assembly has voted in favour of sixteen items out of the twenty sent to it by the National Assembly as part of the process of the on -going fourth alteration of the 1999 constitution. The lawmakers, who at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon.Suraju Ishola Adekunbi, voted in favour of the inclusion of former Heads of the National Assembly in the Council of State.

    The house also supported financial autonomy of State Legislatures; strengthening of Local Government administration and immunity for members of the legislature in respect of the words spoken and written at plenary or Committee proceedings and the institutionalization of legislative bureaucracy. Other clauses that received the nod of the Assembly were provision of sufficient time for Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct by-election and deregistration of political parties.

    The Assembly also supported the provision for independent candidature in election, as well as the separation of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federal Government from that of the Office of the Accountant- General of the Federation and to make the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation and that of the States financially independent by placing them on the consolidated revenue list.

    Also approved were the clause meant to further strengthening the judiciary for the speedy dispensation of justice; provision of time for the determination of pre-election matters and that which provides for the procedure for passing constitution alteration bill when the President withholds his assent as well as reduction of age for election among others. The clause which required the President and Governor to submit the names of Ministerial or Commissioner nominees within 30 days of taking the Oath of Office for confirmation by the Senate or State House of Assembly, also scaled through.

    The assembly however declined to support some of the amendments sought by the national assembly. Those clauses that could not scale through include authorization of expenditure, distributable pool account which abrogates the State Joint Local Government Account; restriction of tenure of Presidents and governors as well as consequential amendment of civil defence.

    Shortly after the physical voting, the Deputy Speaker Olakunle Oluomo, moved the motion for the adoption of the report of the proceedings for the onward transmission to the Nation Assembly, which was seconded by the Minority Leader Olawale Alausa and supported by the whole House through a voice vote. Responding, the Speaker commended his colleague lawmakers for their commitment to the amendment process which he noted, was part of being responsible to  the issues affecting their constituents.

     

  • Dogara to state legislatures: endorse financial autonomy for councils

    Dogara to state legislatures: endorse financial autonomy for councils

    House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara has urged state legislatures to support financial autonomy for local government administration as a panacea for the growing level of discontentment and disenchantment of the citizenry.

    He warned that Nigerians must not waste the opportunity of the constitution amendment exercise that affords lawmakers the opportunity to improve on governance from the grassroots to the top.

    Dogara spoke yesterday in Abuja at a consultative meeting for building consensus among the Conference of Speakers, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and leaders of thought on local government and State Houses of Assembly autonomy.

    He said: ”The amendment exercise could not have come at a better time than now that there is a loud and deafening call across the nation for restructuring and deepening our democratic systems and processes.

    “As leaders, we must use every opportunity to find ways of strengthening Nigeria’s unity through effective governance and delivery of public goods and services that will lead to an improvement in the livelihoods of the average Nigerian.

    “If we can make the local government system work effectively, most of the discontentment and disenchantment among the rural population and the generality of Nigerians will be greatly reduced.

    “The constitution amendment process provides an opportunity for the National Assembly in collaboration with the state legislatures to enhance our governance architecture, strengthen our democratic institutions, entrench equity and social justice in our polity and most importantly, put Nigeria on the part of greatness that Nigerians crave for.”

    According to Dogara, the last aborted constitution review exercise in the 7th Assembly, all the State Houses of Assembly voted to support autonomy for the State Houses of Assembly, having learnt from the bitter experience of the 2nd Alteration Bill, where the State Houses of Assembly on their own turned down autonomy for State Houses of Assembly.

    He, however, reiterated  his position that financial autonomy for local governments and state House of Assembly will bring good governance and dividends of democracy to the states and rural areas.

    “Indeed, financial autonomy for the state legislatures is one of the most important ingredients for good governance at the state level,” he added.

    Advocating  for continuous dialogue and consensus-building in democratic governance, Dogara noted that it provides a platform for thorny and divergent views to be discussed, harmonised and addressed amicably.

  • Legislatures ‘fight’ for financial autonomy

    Legislatures ‘fight’ for financial autonomy

    Speakers of the 36 state legislatures at the weekend vowed to pursue their financial autonomy and  political independence.

    The speakers said their financial independence would strengthen  democracy in the country.

    Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, Alhaji Ismaila Kamba, spoke with reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the end of a two-day conference.

    The conference was organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in conjunction with the Kwara State House of Assembly.

    He said they would not make same mistake where few state legislatures opted out of the project.

    Kamba, who is the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, said: “We will try to understand where that bill is and if necessary, we’ll refer it to various legislatures for another re-presentation and forward it to Mr. President for assent. And I am very sure that we are not going to make the same mistake the others made. We are going to agree and endorse that legislatures should have their financial autonomy.

    “Also, I am very sure that Mr. President, in his wisdom and on his stance on anti-corruption crusade, will oblige and assent the bill into law this time.”

    He said  the nation’s democracy could only be strengthened and made effective through a vibrant legislature.

    Kamba said he would work with President Mohammadu Buhari to fight  corruption.

    He said his leadership would be committed towards the entrenchment of virtues and values that would make democratic governance more people oriented.

    The Conference of Speakers, according him, would equally analyse government policies to ensure their efficacy and effectiveness as well as partner other tiers of government in promoting peace, security and peaceful co-existence, eradicate poverty and give priority to youth and women empowerment initiatives to enhance the well being of Nigerians.

    Kamba urged his colleagues to make sacrifice for the desired change. He urged Buhari, the leadership of the National Assembly and governors to be genuinely committed to actualising  change.

    The speakers resolved to domesticate the Criminal Justice Administration Act 2015 in their various states.

     

  • Anambra judiciary gets financial autonomy

    Anambra judiciary gets financial autonomy

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano has granted financial autonomy to the state judiciary.

    Chief Judge Justice Peter Umeadi said this while handing over 22 cars to magistrates.

    Handing over the keys yesterday, Umeadi who said he was representing Obiano, said the vehicles would help the magistrates in their work.

    “We hope that these cars will assist them in their work, and we also hope they will use it wisely and always report to work in good time,” Umeadi said.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, state Chairman of the Magistrates Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Vivian Udedike praised Umeadi for the vehicles. She thanked the governor for granting financial autonomy to the judiciary and for his open-door policy which she said made it easy for him to be consulted on matters concerning the judiciary.

    Chief Registrar Doris Ezeani said it was the first time the judiciary was taking absolute charge of its affairs.

    “We thank the chief judge for his interest in staff welfare and in the transformation of the judiciary,” she said.

     

  • Senate seeks financial autonomy for AGF

    Senate seeks financial autonomy for AGF

    If a bill which seeks to alter relevant sections of the Constitution sails through the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, the Auditor General for the Federation and the Auditor General for State Governments may become financially autonomous.

    The bill specifically seeks to place the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation and Offices of the Auditor General for State Governments on the First Line Charge of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

    Sponsored by Senator Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North), it also seeks to empower the Auditor General for the Federation and the Auditor General for State Governments to audit the accounts of statutory corporations, commissions, authorities and agencies in the country.

    Apart from financial autonomy, it wants timely release of funds and enhanced funding for the Office of the Auditor General at both the federal and state levels.

    Lawan in his lead debate noted that a significant impediment to the performance of the AGF is the system and level of funding over the years.

    He said, “In other climes, the office of the AGF is funded by direct appropriation by the parliament.

    “In those jurisdictions, the AGF submits his annual financial requirements to the parliament and the parliament approves what it deems necessary for his operation.”

    He noted that the task of providing adequate funding for the office of the AGF lies squarely with the parliament because “the Executive Arm of Government is an entity and therefore would logically prefer an underfunded, weak and inefficient office of the AGF.”

    He said the same thing applies to the states.