Edo Speaker Affirms Financial Autonomy Remains Intact

Yekini Idaiye, the new Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, stated that the financial autonomy of both the Assembly and the judiciary remains intact despite the recent signing of the Edo House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023 and the State Judiciary Financial Autonomy 2023 Amendment Bill by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo. During the signing ceremony at the Government House in Benin City, Idaiye explained that while recurrent expenditures would continue to be allocated to the Assembly and judiciary, the amendments specifically address the management of capital funds, which had previously been mismanaged.

He emphasized that the Assembly and judiciary would need to submit proposals to the executive for approval before accessing capital project funds. Idaiye reassured that workers' salaries would not be affected by these amendments.

Governor Okpebholo expressed satisfaction with the swift passage of the legislation, highlighting the distinct roles of the executive, legislature, and judiciary in governance and the importance of ensuring that capital funds reach the people effectively.