Financial Independence: Delta Assembly Passes Financial Autonomy Bill

Financial Independence: Delta Assembly Passes Financial Autonomy Bill

Following the Fourth Altercation of the Constitution and the move to give financial Independence to the Legislature, the Delta State House of Assembly  on Tuesday,  December  11, 2018, at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori,  passed the bill granting it financial freedom from the control of the executive arm of government.

The bill titled, Delta State House of Assembly (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2018 is for a law to provide for the management of fund accruing to Delta State House of Assembly from consolidated revenue fund of Delta State to ensure accountability, transparency, effective and efficient utilisation of fund and for other matters connected therewith.

The passage followed a report by the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Establishment, Ethics, Privileges and House Services, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor.

In lieu of the report, the  Majority Leader of the  House,  Hon. Tim Owhefere moved for receipt of the report and was seconded by the Chief Whip, Hon. Pat Ajudua.

Thereafter, the house constituted a Committee of Whole to immediately consider the bill, following recommendation by the Chairman, House Committee on Business, Rules, and Legal matters, Hon. Rueben Izeze.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who addressed the house after passage of the bill said the house, at the Committee of Whole gave a clause by clause consideration to the bill with several amendments and suggestions duly effected.

The Speaker, commended the members for their patience and commitment to the bill adding that it will strengthen legislation in Delta State.

Oborevwori commended the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for embracing financial autonomy for the house since the fourth alteration stressing that the bill will not in anyway affect the harmony and flow of governance in the state especially as it relates to the relationship between the different tiers of government.

The House will  resume plenary on Wednesday,  December 12, 2018 by 10am.