Lalong: Governors committed to autonomy for state legislature, judiciary

Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau state, says state governors are in support of autonomy for the legislative and judiciary arms of government.

There has been a debate on the need for full autonomy for state legislature to enable it to perform better.

An ongoing strike by the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) is seeking to get the federal government to implement financial autonomy for state legislature.

Also, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) had declared an indefinite nationwide strike to protest the government’s failure to implement financial autonomy for the judiciary.

Speaking on Monday in Jos when he received a delegation of speakers of state houses of assembly, the governor said the issue of autonomy will soon be put to rest.

According to the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF), autonomy will strengthen the legislature and enhance democratic values in the states.

Lalong assured the delegation of state governors’ support in achieving the goal.

He asked the forum to engage other stakeholders in their advocacy and campaigns to address the misconception that the approach is for financial aggrandisement for its members.

The governor said the implementation of autonomy will require each state to establish a house of assembly service commission, with the responsibility of handling all the administrative functions of the legislature.

He added that the commission will provide proper structure of accountability as obtainable in the civil service commissions and other similar formations.

In his remarks, Abubakar Suleiman, chairman of forum, said the members were on an advocacy visit to discuss the issue of autonomy including how to improve security.

Suleiman said the speakers will continue to work in synergy with the executive to provide good governance and better living standards for the people.