Taraba, Benue Speakers Hail State Assemblies’ Financial Autonomy Law

The Speakers of both Taraba and Benue States have commended the federal government for the passage of the law granting financial autonomy to the State Assemblies and Judiciaries, which was passed on Friday by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tara ba Speaker, Peter A bel Di ah has also declared that financial autonomy granted to the State Houses of Assembly would engender a dynamic and active legislature at the state level.

Di ah, in a press statement made available to newsmen in Jalingo yesterday hailed President B uh ari for signing the bill into law, saying it is a major milestone for his administration.

The Speaker, who maintained that the signing of the bill into law marks a watershed in the develop- men to ft he democratic process in the country, stressed that a vibrant legislature is the fulcrum for the attainment of the dividends of democracy.

Di ah reiterated that the retrenchment of mutual trust, respect and trust among the three tiers of government would contribute immense ly towards deepening the democratic process in the country.

According to the Speaker“Muham ma du B uh ari has assented to the law of financial autonomy for the State Assemblies. This is commendable and I firmly believe that mutual respect and trust among the three arms of Government will contribute immense ly towards the flourishing of our hard-earned democracy.”

Diah however commended members of the National assembly for driving the realisation of the bill, stressing that the development would promote harmonious rel a- tionship between the three arms of government and deepen the country’s democracy.

In a related development, Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. T er kim bi I ky an ge, has said the granting of financial autonomy to the State Houses of Assembly by the APC-led federal government would deepen democracy and enhance good governance across the country.

Ikyange made this assertion yesterday while reacting to the presidential assent to the Constitution Amendment Forth alteration bill, which grants financial autonomy to all the State Houses of Assembly. He said granting financial independence to the State Legislative Houses would not only lead to the growth and development of the Legislature but would also bring about effective oversight which would translate to good governance.