Okpebholo Signs Revised Assembly Funds Management, Judiciary Autonomy Bills into Law

Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin

Hours after Edo House of Assembly passed the revised Edo House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023 and State Judiciary Financial Autonomy 2023 Amendment Bill, the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, signed them into law.

The bills were amended on Monday by the House of Assembly.

The governor signed them on Monday at Government House, Benin City, while receiving Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Yekini Idiaye.

He commended the lawmakers for the swift passage of the legislation. He said he was pleased that the issue had been resolved.

A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Ebojele, quoted the governor as saying, “I am, indeed, delighted because this has become like a controversial law, I must confess to you.”

He said the three arms of government — the executive, legislature and judiciary — had distinct responsibilities and should operate within their constitutional mandates.

According to him, the executive is responsible for administration and implementation, while the legislature makes laws and performs oversight functions, and the judiciary interprets laws and punishes offenders.

“For me, deviating from these is totally out of the field of play, changing the goal post. I saw danger in it and the way things were going,” the governor said.

Okpebholo said he was concerned that funds meant for capital projects were no longer reaching the people, adding that such projects are the most visible way government could improve the lives of residents.

He commended the lawmakers for standing by the people, saying their action demonstrates their commitment to the development of Edo State.

Earlier, Idiaye said the legislation did not remove the financial autonomy of the House of Assembly or the judiciary.

He explained that recurrent expenditure would continue to go to the Assembly and the judiciary, while the amendment addressed the management of capital funds.

“It is the capital part of the funds that has issues. It was badly abused,” the speaker said.

Idiaye said the governor’s position was aimed at preventing further abuse of capital funds by ensuring that the executive handled the capital component through the appropriation process.

He said the Assembly and the judiciary would submit proposals to the executive for approval before accessing funds for capital projects.

“The autonomy is still in place, there is no fear on any side, and the unions should not have any fear,” Idiaye said, adding that workers’ salaries are not affected by the amendment.

“I believe they have not been properly briefed, but the autonomy is still in order and the workers’ salaries are not touched,” he said.