democracy and deepen inclusiveness of citizens by guaranteeing fairness
for ordinary Nigerians.
Receiving Report of the Presidential Implementation Committee on
Financial Autonomy of State Legislature and Judiciary, President Buhari
said the 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.
In his remark, the Chairman of the Committee, immediate past Minister of
Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, said
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,” he said.
Malami added 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 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).