NGF: We’re resolving issues on autonomy for state judiciary, legislature

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) says it is working to resolve issues surrounding the implementation of executive order 10.

The forum said this in a statement on Wednesday signed by Kayode Fayemi, its chairman.

President Muhammadu in May 2020 signed an executive order granting financial autonomy to both the judicial and legislative arms of government at the state level.

The president’s decision was met with commendation, especially from the judiciary but state governors expressed concerns over its constitutionality and financial implications.

The gazetting of the order was, however, suspended after the president met with the governors.

In its statement, the forum said talks on the order had reached an advanced stage with the ministry of labour, conference of speakers and the National Judicial Council.

“There are, however, legal aspects of the order that need to be tied up, but which cannot take place if officials responsible for these final processes are on strike,” it said.

“Governors are happy to implement the demands of the judiciary and the Legislature.”

The NGF, however, resolved to call for the immediate dissolution of the presidential implementation committee on autonomy for state legislature and judiciary.

The forum said the presidential committee was now acting as a permanent committee “basically misguiding and overheating the relationship between state governments and the other arms of government”.