Edo Governor Signs Amended Financial Autonomy Laws

On Monday, the Edo State House of Assembly amended the financial autonomy laws for the legislature and judiciary, transmitting the changes to Governor Monday Okpebholo, who signed them into law at the Government House in Benin City. This swift action occurred despite protests from the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who expressed concerns over the proposed changes to financial autonomy established under former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The Assembly had previously listed two bills for consideration: the “A Bill for a Law to Repeal the Edo State Judiciary Financial Autonomy Law, 2023” and “A Bill for a Law to Repeal the Edo State House of Assembly Funds Management Law, 2023.” Newly elected Speaker Hon. Yekini Idaiye clarified that the House aimed to amend rather than repeal the laws, asserting that the changes would not affect recurrent expenditures like salaries. The amendments were intended to enhance accountability and checks in managing capital funds.