Zamfara state Governor, Bello Matawalle has signed Bills granting autonomy to the state legislative and judicial arms of government.
The laws signed at a brief ceremony held at the Government House, Gusau are; Zamfara State Judiciary Autonomy Law and Zamfara State Legislative Fund Management Law and Related Matters Connected Therewith, 2021 (1442 AH).
Speaking shortly after the event, the Governor said as a true democrat, he will continue to ensure that all statutory responsibilities are directed to the right channels.
The Governor further expressed optimism that the signing of two bills will further strengthen the existing relationship between the two arms of government
“I do not see any reason why we will not allow the autonomy of these two strong arms of government which will ensure the smooth running of government and the progress of our dear state.”
“We will not politicize or joke with your responsibilities, your funding and the autonomy, therefore, with this signing into law, it is my strong conviction that we will continue to work as partners for the growth and progress of our dear state and the good people of Zamfara,” Governor Matawalle said.
He also urged the two arms of government to prevent all forms of corrupt practices, adding that anyone found wanting should be sanctioned.
Nasiru Magarya, speaker of the state state house of assembly, commended the governor for his good relationship with the legislature and judiciary.
Magarya assured the governor of continuous support from the legislative and judicial arms of government for the benefit of the state.
Present at the ceremony were all the principal officers of the state house of assembly; Kabiru Balarabe, acting secretary to the state government, among others.
President Muhammad Buhari had passed Executive Order 10 in May 2020 mandating states to grant autonomy to the Judicial and Legislative arms of government at the state level.
The President has made the Order on the grounds that its implementation will strengthen the institutions and make them more independent and accountable in carrying out their duties.
The Order stated that the judiciary and legislative houses be granted appropriate funds from the state annual budget which shall be a charge upon the consolidated revenue fund of the state. Also, the Accountant General of the Federation was charged with the responsibility of authorizing the deduction of the source when accounts fail to release allocation meant for the state judiciary and state legislature in line with the financial autonomy.
States initially rejected the Order as it was seen as an attempt to subvert their power. Governors also complained about its hasty issuance stating that it had the capacity to derail collaborations between the Nigerian Governors forum (NGF) and the Houses of Assembly.
As a consequence of the reluctance from state governor, the two arms embarked on a nationwide strike on April 6th 2021, paralysing all legislative and judicial processes across all states for two months until it was called off on Wednesday July, 9th 2021.
During the period, state systems had to grapple with the fallout of suspension of action on litigation and prosecution of suspects, increase in the crime rate and prison congestion among others.
Since the agreements that led to the calling off of the strike action, a number of states have made progress in kickstarting the process of passing the requisite laws in their states to grant financial autonomy as required by Order 10. Sokoto state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal signed the state's version 7th July followed by that of his counterpart, Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state on Thursday, 8th July 2021. Plateau and Bauchi states have also made significant progress.
