A law to provide for the management of funds accruing to the Oyo State House of Assembly from the consolidated revenue fund of the State has scaled through second reading, during Tuesday plenary.
The bill, meant to ensure accountability, transparency, effective and efficient utilization of funds and other related matters, has consequently been referred to the Oyo State House Committee on Public Account and Appropriation for further scrutiny and deliberations.
When operational, the House of Assembly shall manage its capital and recurrent expenditure in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.
The bill, which is imperative as the state houses of assembly across the country prepare to become financially autonomous, was sponsored by the Speaker, Adebo Ogundoyin and eight other members.
In a remark, Speaker Ogundoyin said the bill, which is being deliberated upon by all the 36 houses of assembly in the country, is aimed at enhancing and ensuring proper management of the income and expenditure of the legislatures across the country.
Ogundoyin assured that the bill would be painstakingly deliberated upon in order to give legal support and framework to the finances of the House of Assembly.
Total freedom
In his contribution, the Deputy Speaker, Muhammad Fadeyi, said the bill would give total freedom to the legislature and put an end to their dependence on the executive arm of government.
Other Lawmakers, the Majority Leader, Sanjo Adedoyin; Kazeem Isiaka Tunde (Oyo East/West); Wumi Oladeji (Ogbomoso North) and Babatunde Adeola (Iseyin/Itesiwaju), called for thorough scrutiny.
The lawmakers said there should not be ambiguity in the bill as it is meant to guarantee the rule of law and enhance the concept of separation of power.
Emmanuel Ukoh
