DTHA Passes Bill on Financial Autonomy for State Legislature

A bill to ensure financial autonomy from the executive arm of government has been passed by Delta State House of Assembly.

The bill was passed on December 11, 2018, during plenary at Asaba, that was presided over by the Speaker , Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

The bill titled, Delta State House of Assembly (Financial Autonomy), 2018, seeks to provide the management of fund accruing to the State’s Legislature from consolidated revenue fund to ensure accountability, transparency, effective, efficient utilisation of fund as well as 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.

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori who addressed the house after passage of the bill said that 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 harmonious relationship between the executive and legislature.