The member representing Osisioma Ngwa North state Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikechukwu Nwabeke has backed the call for the granting of autonomy to state legislatures in Nigeria.
Speaking as a facilitator at the public hearing on Constitution review for the people of Obingwa/ Osisoma Ngwa/ Ugwunagbor federal constituency, the lawmaker said state legislatures should be autonomous to enable them execute their functions without hindrance.
“The House of Assembly should be granted autonomy if they are to perform the functions expected of them. The present situation where funding comes from the executive would not guarantee the independence of the state legislature to take certain decision,” he said.
Nwabeke who chairs the House committee on Health lamented the inability of the state Houses of Assembly to serve as a check on the executive.
He further alleged that interference by governors has rendered state legislatures powerless as they pander to the interest of the executive from where their funding comes from.
“In this situation, the House of Assembly cannot serve as a check on the governor who can decide to withhold funds to the House. Autonomy should be granted to state legislatures to enable them serve the people better,” he said.
In his contribution, the member for Obingwa East state Constituency, Hon.
Princewill Onuoha who chaired the session supported the call insisting that the country can only develop if the people can build strong institutions to promote people oriented governance.