NGF Promises To Resolve Issues On Autonomy For State Judiciary, Legislature

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The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Wednesday said they are working to resolve issues surrounding the implementation of Executive Order 10.

This was disclosed in a communiqué signed by the Chairman of the forum Kayode Fayemi at the end of the 30th teleconference meeting.
The promise is coming on the hills of mounting criticism over the refusal of the governors to implement the executive order 10 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Consequently, most of the governors who have been clamouring for restructuring with particular reference to devolution of powers with specifics on state police, resource control and security authorities have been accused variously by Nigerians of seeking what they have withheld from the local government administration, beside the issues of autonomy.

For instance, Abubakar Malami, Attorney General and minister of justice bluntly told the Southern governors who last week issued a 10 point communique after their meeting in Asaba, Delta state requesting for devolution of powers, state police among others that the issue of restructuring would not be considered until they restructure their states.
President Muhammadu had earlier in May 2020 signed an Executive Order granting financial autonomy to both the judicial and legislative arms of government at the state level.

In its statement, the NGF said talks on the order had reached an advanced stage with the Ministry of Labour, conference of speakers, and the National Judicial Council.

“On Executive Order #10, talks have reached an advanced stage with the Ministry of Labour, Conference of Speakers, National Judicial Council, and the NGF. All parties are working earnestly to resolve the issues surrounding the implementation of the order.

“There are however legal aspects of the order that need to be tied up, but which cannot take place if officials responsible for these final processes are on strike. Governors are happy to implement the demands of the Judiciary and the Legislature,” the statement read in part.

The NGF, however, resolved to call for the immediate dissolution of the presidential implementation committee on autonomy for state legislature and judiciary.