Edo Speaker Confirms Financial Autonomy Remains Intact

Yekini Idaiye, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, stated that the financial autonomy of both the House of Assembly and the judiciary has not been removed. This statement followed the signing of the Edo House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023 and the State Judiciary Financial Autonomy 2023 Amendment Bill by Governor Monday Okpebholo at Government House in Benin City.

Idaiye clarified that while recurrent expenditures would still be allocated to the Assembly and judiciary, the amendments focus on the management of capital funds, which had previously been mismanaged. He emphasized that the autonomy remains intact and that workers' salaries would not be affected by the changes.

Governor Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the swift passage of the legislation, highlighting the need for distinct responsibilities among the three arms of government. He raised concerns about capital project funds not reaching the intended beneficiaries, underscoring the importance of these projects for community development.