23rd May, 2020
The Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for granting financial autonomy to states’ legislature and the judiciary.
Abdullahi made the commendation in Keffi on Saturday while reacting to the development in an interview with the NAN.
President Buhari, on May 22, signed Executive Order Number 10 of 2020 for the implementation of the financial autonomy of the various state Houses of Assembly and Judiciary.
Reacting to the development, Abdullahi noted that the president’s action would ensure good governance, accountability, and effective service delivery in the country at the state level.
He said that autonomy would also go along way in enhancing legislative and judicial activities for the overall development of the country.
“I received the news of the signing of an Executive Order by Mr. President for the implementation of financial autonomy of state Houses of Assembly and Judiciary with joy.
“Granting of the financial autonomy to the state legislature and judiciary is a good omen for the country and will go a long way in enhancing the functions of the institutions for good governance and accountability as well as strengthening democracy in the country,” he said.
Abdullahi, who is the National Vice Chairman, North Central, Nigeria Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, also noted that the “wonderful step taken” would deepen democracy in the country.
“The president has further demonstrated that he is a democrat who has the interest of the country at heart, it is in view of this that I want to sincerely commend him for this wonderful gesture and proactive step taken,” he said.
Abdullahi called on the people of the state and Nigerians to pray and give their maximum support to Buhari and Gov. Abdullahi Sule’s administrations to enable them to succeed in the tasks ahead of them.
He said that every leader needed the prayers and support of their people to succeed, hence the need for his appeal in that direction.
The speaker assured the assembly’s commitment to continue to partner with the executive arm in order to ensure speedy development in the state.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), confirmed Buhari’s action in a statement in Abuja on Friday.
The statement which was issued by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Gwandu, explained that the action of the president was in the exercise of his constitutional duties.