Governors pledge support to states’ legislature, judiciary full autonomy

Should state governors keep their words, the much sort- after autonomy for state legislature and judiciary would become a reality soon.

Speaking under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), the governors expressed their willingness to ensure financial autonomy for the two arms of government.

NGF Chairman and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, who gave the assurance at the opening of a two-day conference on the implementation of autonomy of state legislature and state judiciary in Abuja, pointed out that the autonomy will ensure Nigeria attends the highest level of transparency and openness in governance.

According to the NGF chair, the governors would work with the Federal Government to achieve the implementation strategy and ultimately ensure fully autonomy of the legislature and judiciary at sub-national levels.

Yari, who was represented by Bauchi State Governor Mohammed Abubakar, noted that though Nigeria’s democracy is two decade old, it has not been a smooth sail.

He, however, commended the current administration’s focus on ensuring that rough as the journey maybe, it will surely take us to the Promise Land, adding that autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary, were part of the conditions for a sustainable democracy.

He said: “I totally align with the motion that the legislature and judiciary autonomy are necessary precondition for an enduring democracy. This enhances efficiency, transparency and accountability in government.

“May I also assure you that the state governors are collectively committed to the enthronement of a strong and virile democracy in Nigeria and would work with the Federal Government to achieve the National implementation strategy and ultimately ensure fully autonomy of the legislature and judiciary at sub-national levels.

“The NGF fully supports Mr. President’s reform agenda and share its passion for transparency and zero corruption. We commend the efforts of the committee in putting together this very decisive conference to see that Nigeria attends the highest level of transparency and openness in governance.”

House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, commended President Buhari for his assent to the bill, noting that autonomy is central to the practice of democracy especially separation of powers.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu noted that the local government areas need to be strengthened, therefore urging state assemblies to act fast.

He also advocated for State Police, thanking the federal government for the interest shown in the implementation of the law.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who doubles as the Panel Secretary, Ita Enang, commended participants at the conference.

He said: “We are impressed by the attendant. Out of 36 states, 34 of the chief judges of the federation are here, and 31 speakers are also here in person while the rest of them are presented at this conference.

“The report and recommendation of the retreat will be submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari and the implementation at the state level will start immediately in the next one week after the resolution of this retreat.”

On what the implementation portends for governance at the state level, Enang said: “What it portends is that the judiciary will be able to deliver the judgement without fear or favour and that their allocation will not be released to them or their salaries will not be paid, the court will not be renovated, or the chief judge will be removed or any judge will be removed.”

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom agreed that granting autonomy to the legislature and judiciary would strengthen democracy.

He said: “I appreciate Mr. President for setting up the implementation committee. The executive, legislature and judiciary are all here and so issues that pertain to implementation will be resolved right here and then we can pick up successfully. One thing is that we must learn and respect our constitution, once laws are in place, we have no choice but to comply because that is the only thing that will lead us to greater height.

“If we refuse to obey our laws then we are calling for chaos and anarchy and when anarchy comes nobody will be safe. So I welcome this retreat because at the end of the day all of us will take something home.”

His Bauchi counterpart said: “This is a once in a life time retreat actually. The amendment of the constitution to confer autonomy on the states legislature and the states judiciary is a milestone and that is why the Nigeria Governors Forum has keyed in fully to this retreat, so that we can contribute and assure Nigerians that we are together with Mr. President in this bid to reform governance in Nigeria.”

Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC), described as dangerous a situation where the legislature is crippled and unable to function.

He said: “A situation where the legislature which actually makes the distinction between democracy and dictatorship are crippled and made unable to function worsens the reality that democracy represents. And I think it is very commendable that the National Assembly took the initiative.”