Mr Jarrett Tenebe, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, has commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo for signing the Edo State House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023 and the State Judiciary Financial Autonomy Amendment Bill 2023 into law.
Tenebe gave the commendation on Tuesday while addressing newsmen in Benin, following the amendment and passage of the bills by the Edo House of Assembly and their subsequent assent by the governor.
The APC chairman described the development as a step towards addressing what he termed anomalies in the management of public funds.
He said the lawmakers amended aspects of the 2023 legislative financial autonomy law, particularly provisions relating to the management of capital funds.
Tenebe said he supported the decision of the House of Assembly and the governor, adding that the laws required amendments rather than outright cancellation.
According to him, the amendments had been passed by the legislature and assented to by the governor.
Tenebe said the constitution had already provided for the autonomy of the three arms of government, stressing the need for all institutions to operate within their constitutional responsibilities.
“Every law draws its strength from the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Any law that conflicts with the constitution is null and void, as the constitution takes precedence over such laws.
“The House of Assembly can make appropriation but not execute.
“If you approve and execute, who then checks you? The reason for independence is to have checks and balances,” he said.
The APC chairman said the development demonstrated the readiness of the state and the legislature to operate in line with constitutional provisions.
He said any institution that assumed responsibilities outside those assigned to it by the constitution could create conflicts with established laws.
According to him, the lawmakers, in their wisdom, removed clauses they considered inconsistent with their financial autonomy.
Tenebe expressed optimism that the amended laws would strengthen accountability, transparency and the principle of checks and balances among the three arms of government in the state.