*As Assembly passes Legislative, Judiciary Funds Management Bills
As part of major conditions for the implementation of financial autonomy for the states’ Judiciary and Legislatures across the country, the Oyo State House of Assembly has passed their Funds Management Bills, 2021 into Laws.
The Bills tagged “Oyo State House of Assembly Funds Management Bill, 2021 and Oyo State Judiciary Funds Management Bill, 2021 were passed on Thursday’s plenary.
The Chairman House Committee on Appropriation and Public Finance, Hon. Akeem Mustapha, presented the Committee reports on the two bills before the House.
The bills, after the clause-by-clause consideration by the Committee of the Whole House were read for the third time and passed.
Speaking after the passage of the bills, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, said that the bills were meant to ensure accountability, transparency and efficient utilization of funds accruing to both arms of government, (Legislature and Judiciary) from the consolidated funds of the state.
“We are happy that we met up with the deadline. We had a forty-five day deadline. That’s why we did everything possible to scrutinize the bills thoroughly. And I can assure you that bills were all inclusive. We are very happy with the bills as they will strengthen the legislature and judiciary arms of government. With Legislative and Judiciary independence come more responsibilities and this will be followed by more positive and outstanding results. Surely, the whole Oyo State House of Assembly and judiciary are excited about the passage of the bills.”
“This is another milestone in the history of the Oyo State House of Assembly. We are happy that the Bill has been passed. This will save our Courts from all forms of influence from other branches of Government. It will strengthen the Courts. Judicial independence is no doubt important to the idea of separation of power. The absence of autonomy has made it practically impossible for the judiciary to perform its duties without fear or favor,” the Speaker said.
Hon. Ogundoyin stated further that the state’s House of Assembly was optimistic that the bills will be assented to by the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde in a matter of time.
The two bills which are meant to enhance and ensure proper management of the income and expenditure of the Legislature and Judiciary are being deliberated and considered by the states’ Houses of Assembly across Nigeria.
When they become operational, the Funds Management Law will give total freedom to both arms of government and put an end to their dependence on the Executive arm of Government.
It will also guarantee the rule of law, and enhance the concept of separation of power.
