Edo Assembly’s Move to Reverse Legislative Autonomy, Remain A Joke of the Century ~ Osaretin Eribo

The reported move by the Edo State House of Assembly to reverse or undermine its own legislative autonomy is nothing short of a joke of the century. It raises serious questions about the independence of the legislature and the forces influencing decisions within the institution that is constitutionally expected to act independently.

Who willingly points a gun at himself and pulls the trigger?

The legislature is one of the three principal arms of government. Its constitutional responsibility is to make laws, represent the interests of the people, scrutinise government policies and expenditures, and provide the necessary checks and balances against possible abuse of executive power or any form of excesses.

Who Is Really Running the Assembly?

This situation demands a very important question who is actually operating the affairs of a supposedly independent legislative body of Edo State House Of assembly??

This issue is bigger than partisan politics. It is about the integrity of democratic institutions and the ability of elected representatives to act independently in the interest of the people in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.

Legislative financial autonomy should not be treated as a favour granted by the executive. It is an important component of institutional independence.

A legislature that controls its own finances has a better opportunity to determine its priorities, fund its statutory responsibilities, maintain effective administrative structures, and carry out oversight without undue external pressure.

Without meaningful financial autonomy, the legislature risks becoming an extension of the executive rather than an independent arm of government.

That is precisely why any attempt by lawmakers to voluntarily surrender or weaken their financial independence should concern every citizen of Edo State.