Governors: We are committed to financial autonomy of state legislature

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) has pledged commitment to full implementation of the financial autonomy of state legislature and judiciary.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day conference in Abuja on Thursday, Abdulaziz Yari, NGF chairman, said the implementation will ensure the highest level of transparency and openness in governance.

Represented by Mohammed Abubakar, Bauchi state governor, the NGF chairman said governors will work with the federal government to achieve the implementation strategy for the autonomy.

“I totally aligned with the motion that the legislature and judiciary autonomy are necessary precondition for an enduring democracy,” he said.

“This enhances efficiency, transparency and accountability in government. May I also assure you that the state governors are collectively committed to the enthronement of a strong and viral democracy in Nigeria and would work with the federal government to achieve the national implementation strategy and ultimately ensure fully autonomy of the legislature and judiciary at sub-national levels.

“The NGF fully supports Mr. President reform agenda and share its passion for transparency and zero corruption. We commend the efforts of the committee in putting together this very decisive conference to see that Nigeria attends the highest level of transparency and openness in governance.”

Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, commended the president for signing the bill into law, saying the autonomy is central to the practice of democracy especially separation of powers.