The Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly has called on state governors to ensure direct disbursement of funds to state legislatures, as required by the constitution.
In a discussion, the Speakers emphasized the importance of financial autonomy for effective governance and warned that non-compliance could lead to a breakdown in governance.
They urged state governors to comply with Section 121(3) of the Constitution, which mandates direct disbursement of funds to state legislatures.
The Speakers resolved to engage with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and civil society organizations, to ensure full implementation of financial autonomy.
The conference also recognized the need for legal and institutional reforms to reinforce the autonomy of state legislatures. The Speakers pledged to advocate for the amendment of relevant laws and the introduction of new legal frameworks to strengthen financial independence.
The Chairman of the Conference, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, highlighted the critical role of State Houses of Assembly in ongoing constitutional amendments. He emphasized that the State Houses of Assembly have the power to work and deliberate on constitutional amendments.
In summary, the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly has demanded financial autonomy for state legislatures, warning that non-compliance could lead to a breakdown in governance.
The Speakers resolved to engage with stakeholders and advocate for legal and institutional reforms to reinforce the autonomy of state legislatures.