Autonomy for state legislature, judiciary should not be compromised – Buhari 

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said efforts to ensure autonomy for state legislatures and judiciary will further strengthen democracy and deepen inclusiveness of citizens by guaranteeing fairness for ordinary Nigerians.

Buhari while receiving Report of the Presidential Implementation Committee on Financial Autonomy of State Legislature and Judiciary, President Buhari said the government will study the report and recommendations, and take an appropriate decision.

“I went through a terrible time getting here for the three times I contested elections. That’s why I want to stabilise the system so that others will not pass through the same experience.

“Both young and ordinary Nigerians depend on leadership to ensure justice is always done. So we must ensure that trust is not compromised. This administration will take the report seriously,” he added.

In his remark, the Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Malami, said implementation of the recommendations will entrench constitutionalism, democratic principles and separation of powers.

“The recommendations clearly spell out that if uniform modules for implementation of financial autonomy for state legislature and state judiciary are approved for implementation across 36 states, it will no doubt strengthen Nigeria’s democratic principles, practices and public governance,’’ he said.

He further explained that the committee had observed that most states honoured the constitutional provisions for financial autonomy in the breach, than in observance, noting that the legislature and judiciary remain the last hope of the common man and should be given autonomy.

Malami on when the implementation will commence, Malami said the President will issue an Executive Order for the enforcement of the constitutional provisions 

“Well, the independence has already been established by the Constitution so, it is now about the implementation of the modalities and amongst the recommendations made to Mr. President is an Executive Order by the President designed to give effect to the implementation of section 121 which Constitutionally establishes the independence of the two arms of government.

“So, it is about the application, Operation and enforcement of the provisions of the Constitution and with the signing of the Executive Order, l believe the necessary formalities of the whole hearted implementation of this provisions will come into effect.” 

The former chief law officer of the country  disclosed that with the submission of the reports, the committee has concluded its assignment substantially by way of making available to the President, an interim report indicating the modalities to follow, with due observance of the provisions of the section 121 and due observance of the sustenance of the independence of the States Legislature and Judiciary.

“So, it about the Constitutional order, it is about the sustenance of the requirements of the Constitution as it relates to the independence of the Legislature and the Judiciary and the committee has presented its report to Mr. President.