Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has signed two bills into law to strengthen management of capital funds for development projects.
The bills are the Edo House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023, and State Judiciary Financial Autonomy 2023 Amendment Bill 2023.
Okpebholo signed the legislation on Monday at Government House, Benin, while receiving the Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Mr Yekini Idiaye.
The governor said he was pleased that the issue had been resolved, after what he described as controversy surrounding the legislation and management of funds.
“I am indeed delighted because this has become like a controversial law, I must confess to you,” Okpebholo said.
He said the three arms of government had distinct responsibilities and should operate within their constitutional mandates to promote effective governance and accountability.
According to him, the executive is responsible for administration and implementation, while the legislature makes laws and performs oversight functions.
He added that the judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws and punishing offenders, stressing that each arm should remain within its constitutional role.
“For me, deviating from these is totally out of the field of play, changing the goal post. I saw danger in it and the way things were going,” he said.
Okpebholo said he was concerned that funds meant for capital projects were no longer reaching the people, in spite of the importance of such projects to improving residents’ lives.
He commended the lawmakers for standing by the people, saying their action demonstrated commitment to the development of the state.
Earlier, Idiaye said the legislation did not remove the financial autonomy of the house of assembly or judiciary.
He explained that recurrent expenditure would continue going to the assembly and judiciary, while the amendment specifically addressed management of capital funds.
“It is the capital part of the funds that has issues. It was badly abused,” the speaker said.
Idiaye said the governor’s position was aimed at ensuring proper management of capital funds through the appropriation process, while preventing further misuse.
He said the assembly and judiciary would submit proposals to the executive for approval, before accessing funds for capital projects.
“The autonomy is still in place, there is no fear on any side, and the unions should not have any fear,” Idiaye said.
He added that workers’ salaries were not affected by the amendment, urging stakeholders not to entertain concerns over the legislation.
“I believe they have not been properly briefed but the autonomy is still in order and the workers’ salaries are not touched,” he added
