Edo Govt Respects Financial Autonomy For Judiciary– Obaseki Tells NBA

… says ‘independence of three arms of govt’ll strengthen
democracy’

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the
state government will continue to obey and respect the relevant
section of the 1999 constitution on judicial autonomy.

The governor gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by
executive members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Edo State
chapter at the Government House, Benin City.

He said the autonomy and independence of the three arms of
Government is best for Nigeria’s democratic system, noting that his
administration has continued to obey and respect the relevant
section of the 1999 constitution on judicial autonomy.

“The issue of judicial autonomy and independence should not be
in question or in doubt, as the functionality of the three arms of
arms of government independently is best for Nigeria’s democratic
system.

“I have listened to your presentation and wondered what the real
issues are. But I think it is one of communication. It is not in
the best interest of our democratic system for the three arms of
government not to be independent and autonomous as one has to check
over the other. The issues of autonomy and independence should not
be in question or doubt.”

According to him, “Section 121 (3) of the 1999 constitution
states clearly that any amount and outstanding to the credit of the
Judiciary in the consolidated revenue fund shall be paid directly
to the head of the courts concerned; it is clear. In Edo State,
that is what we do for the legislature, judiciary and the local
governments.”

“We have no issues with judicial autonomy but we need to state,
understand and interpret the provision of the constitution and
begin to adapt to them,” he added.

Obaseki said his administration and the Edo State chapter of the
NBA can almost be described as one, as both have become partners in
moving the judiciary forward, adding, “Our administration is full
of members of the NBA. The government and the NBA can be described
as one in Edo State.”

On his part, Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the NBA, Pius
Oiwoh, said: “We are here to present the issue of judicial
autonomy. We have been canvassing and agitating over time for
financial autonomy for the judiciary across the country. We are
here to present a letter as directed by the National Secretariat of
the NBA.

“It is going to be a continuous engagement so that the provision
of section 121 sub section 3 of the constitution, which makes
provision for financial autonomy of the judiciary, will be
guaranteed and complied with. We have heard from his Excellency and
are satisfied.”

… says ‘independence of three arms of govt’ll strengthen
democracy’

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the
state government will continue to obey and respect the relevant
section of the 1999 constitution on judicial autonomy.

The governor gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by
executive members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Edo State
chapter at the Government House, Benin City.

He said the autonomy and independence of the three arms of
Government is best for Nigeria’s democratic system, noting that his
administration has continued to obey and respect the relevant
section of the 1999 constitution on judicial autonomy.

“The issue of judicial autonomy and independence should not be
in question or in doubt, as the functionality of the three arms of
arms of government independently is best for Nigeria’s democratic
system.

“I have listened to your presentation and wondered what the real
issues are. But I think it is one of communication. It is not in
the best interest of our democratic system for the three arms of
government not to be independent and autonomous as one has to check
over the other. The issues of autonomy and independence should not
be in question or doubt.”

According to him, “Section 121 (3) of the 1999 constitution
states clearly that any amount and outstanding to the credit of the
Judiciary in the consolidated revenue fund shall be paid directly
to the head of the courts concerned; it is clear. In Edo State,
that is what we do for the legislature, judiciary and the local
governments.”

“We have no issues with judicial autonomy but we need to state,
understand and interpret the provision of the constitution and
begin to adapt to them,” he added.

Obaseki said his administration and the Edo State chapter of the
NBA can almost be described as one, as both have become partners in
moving the judiciary forward, adding, “Our administration is full
of members of the NBA. The government and the NBA can be described
as one in Edo State.”

On his part, Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the NBA, Pius
Oiwoh, said: “We are here to present the issue of judicial
autonomy. We have been canvassing and agitating over time for
financial autonomy for the judiciary across the country. We are
here to present a letter as directed by the National Secretariat of
the NBA.

“It is going to be a continuous engagement so that the provision
of section 121 sub section 3 of the constitution, which makes
provision for financial autonomy of the judiciary, will be
guaranteed and complied with. We have heard from his Excellency and
are satisfied.”