NBA Human Rights Committee Opposes Edo Autonomy Repeal

The Human Rights Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, has expressed strong opposition to the proposed repeal of the Edo State House of Assembly and Judiciary Autonomy Law. In a statement signed by Chairman Itohan Ekama and Secretary Emmanuel Okorie, the committee warned that such a repeal could undermine democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of the state's legislature and judiciary.

They emphasized that the autonomy law is rooted in the 1999 Constitution, specifically Section 121(3), which mandates direct funding to the state House of Assembly and judiciary. The committee cited the Supreme Court's ruling in A.G.

Abia State v. A.G.

Federation (2002) to assert that no state law can override constitutional provisions. They urged the Edo State House of Assembly to reject this 'anti-democratic move' and called on civil society organizations and residents to defend institutional independence.

The committee warned that financial dependence on the executive could compromise judicial independence and citizens' access to justice, demanding the immediate withdrawal of any bill that would weaken these institutions.