Speakers of State Houses of Assembly Demand Financial Autonomy: A Crucial Step for Democratic Governance in Nigeria

Speakers of State Houses of Assembly Demand Financial Autonomy: A Crucial Step for Democratic Governance in Nigeria

In a bold and decisive move, the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly has called on state governors across Nigeria to immediately comply with constitutional provisions that mandate the direct disbursement of funds to state legislatures. This call is not just a plea for financial autonomy; it is a demand for the preservation of Nigeria's democratic fabric and the effective functioning of its governance structures.

At the heart of this demand lies Section 121(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which clearly stipulates that funds should be directly disbursed to State Houses of Assembly. However, despite this constitutional mandate, many state governors have failed to adhere to this provision, leading to a significant erosion of legislative independence. The Speakers warn that this lack of financial autonomy could lead to a breakdown of governance, as it undermines the ability of state legislatures to function effectively.

In their communiqué, the Speakers emphasized the critical link between legislative independence and effective governance. They stated, “This compliance is not only a constitutional obligation but also a necessary step towards strengthening our democracy and promoting good governance.” This statement underscores the belief that without financial independence, state legislatures cannot fully execute their duties, which include lawmaking, oversight of the executive branch, and representing the interests of the public.

The Conference of Speakers is not merely issuing demands; they are also taking proactive steps to ensure the implementation of financial autonomy. The communiqué outlines their resolve to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Federal Government, and civil society organizations. The goal is to build a broad consensus on the importance of legislative independence and to ensure that state governors comply with the constitutional provisions.

The Speakers have also announced the creation of a monitoring and reporting mechanism to track the implementation of financial autonomy across the states. This mechanism will document instances of non-compliance and bring them to the attention of relevant authorities, including the judiciary, for appropriate action. By doing so, the Conference of Speakers is ensuring that state governors are held accountable for their actions, or inactions, regarding the financial autonomy of state legislatures.

The Conference of Speakers has also recognized the need for further legal and institutional reforms to reinforce the autonomy of state legislatures. The communiqué highlights their commitment to advocating for the amendment of relevant laws and the introduction of new legal frameworks that will strengthen the financial independence of the legislative arm at the state level. 

This move is crucial because financial autonomy is not just about the disbursement of funds; it is about ensuring that state legislatures have the necessary resources to perform their functions without undue influence from the executive branch. By pushing for these reforms, the Speakers are working to create a more balanced and effective system of governance in Nigeria.

The ongoing constitutional amendments in Nigeria have placed a spotlight on the role of State Houses of Assembly. As the Chairman of the Conference, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, pointed out, “Our purview as the State Houses of Assembly is to work and deliberate on constitutional amendments, or as it may be a new constitution, but it has to come from the National Assembly.” 

This statement highlights the importance of State Houses of Assembly in shaping the future of Nigeria’s governance framework. The demand for financial autonomy is therefore not just about current needs but also about ensuring that state legislatures have the capacity to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing constitutional amendments.

The direct disbursement of funds to State Houses of Assembly is a critical factor in promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance. Without financial autonomy, state legislatures are often left at the mercy of state governors, who can manipulate funding to influence legislative actions. This undermines the system of checks and balances that is essential for a healthy democracy.

Moreover, financial autonomy allows state legislatures to be more responsive to the needs of their constituents. With direct control over their finances, state legislatures can allocate resources more effectively to address local issues, conduct oversight functions without fear of financial repercussions, and pass laws that truly reflect the will of the people.

The call for financial autonomy by the Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly is a vital step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. It is a demand that state governors must heed if they are committed to upholding the Constitution and promoting good governance.

As the Speakers have pledged, they will continue to advocate for the full implementation of Section 121(3) and defend the autonomy and independence of the legislative arm of government. This commitment is not just about securing funds; it is about ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy remains robust, transparent, and accountable.

The future of Nigeria’s governance depends on the strength and independence of its legislative bodies. Financial autonomy is a key component of this independence, and the time to implement it is now. The actions taken by the Conference of Speakers will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s democratic governance.