HOUSE of Representatives speaker Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal has called for a constitutional amendment to grant state assemblies financial autonomy that will end their dependence on governors. 

At the moment, Nigeria's 36 state houses of assemblies are funded through federal allocations which are paid to governors, making them rubber stamp bodies. Yesterday, Alhaji Tambuwal, the outgoing speaker, due to resume office as the Sokoto State governor on May 29, said this arrangement needs to be changed, so the state houses of assemblies are paid directly. 

Speaking at an induction course for state assemblies' members-elect organised by the National Institute for Legislative Studies in Abuja, Alhaji Tambuwal said that state assemblies do not enjoy the autonomy needed to perform legislative functions.  Although the constitution amendment approved by the National Assembly provides for financial autonomy for state assemblies, President Goodluck Jonathan has refused to assent to it, citing procedural breaches. 

Alhaji Tambuwal said: “Here at the national level, we have secured our independence and that is why both the Senate and the House of Representatives function with or without the cooperation of the executive arm of government. I am sure in the full length of time, the legislature will take a firm position as for us, all our effort is about institutionalisation of the legislature.” 

Two-term member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Tim Owhefere, stated that autonomy for state assemblies cannot be realistic unless there is a constitutional backup that makes them separate from the state governments. He said state assemblies will remain subordinate to the state governments because there are no definite constitutional provisions that make them legally separate and independent from them. 

Hon Owhefere added: “If there is no law backing autonomy, it can’t change. You cannot insult a man who needs to give you money every week, so the state assemblies will continue to be rubber stamps to the executive arm of government so long as the executive releases the cash. 

“If there is no law on ground to define and shape autonomy for the state assemblies, the situation will remain the same. So, if there is no autonomy for state assemblies, all state assemblies will remain rubber stamps to the executive arm of government.” 

On the recommendations of the National Conference, the lawmaker lauded the report but regretted that it will like others be consigned to the dustbin. He added that history has overtaken it again and the report is going to be like every other one that we have seen in the past because the man who engineered it is gone.