Delta Assembly Fund Management Bill Scales Second Reading

ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State House of Assembly Fund Management financial autonomy bill has scaled through the second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.

The bill was presented at plenary by the Chief Whip and Member representing Oshimili North in the State House of Assembly, Honourable Pat Ajuduah at Wednesday’s sitting of the House presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori.

Opening debate on the merits of the bill, Hon Pat Ajuduah said the bill made provision for the management of funds for the legislature, through the establishment of a fund management committee.

Hon Ajudua stated that the Committee will be headed by the Speaker, with members drawn from principal officers, the Clark of the House, and the Director of Accounts.

She noted that Delta State is ahead of other states in this regards, maintaining that the proposed law is all encompassing as provisions in the bill were very explicit and harmless.

In their contributions the Deputy Majority Leader, Oboro Preyor, Emeka Nwaobi, Aniocha North and and Anthony Elekeokwuri, Ika North East, said the bill is to ensure accountability, transparency, effective and efficient utilization of funds in the state legislature.

The lawmakers stated that the nation is moving forward with the independent of all arms of government, stressing that would accommodate the resolutions taken by all stakeholders in the autonomy agitation for the legislature.

Also speaking on the merits of the bill, Honourables Charles Oniyere, Ughelli North 1, Eriateke Ibori -Seun, Ethiope West, Peter Uviejitobor, Udu Austin Uroye, Warri South 1, Ferguoson Onwo, Isoko South 2 and others, said the proposed law was the foundation of the Financial Autonomy for the legislature, explaining that it would also correct the defects in the existing law which was being repealed.

They pointed out that the bill coffered the Speaker with powers to approve up to ten million naira for recurrent and capital expenditure, adding that the Legislative and Judiciary arms of government would be represented in the State Account Allocation Committee to be set up when the bill is signed into law.

The bill was reffered to the joint committee on Special Bill, and the committee on Establishment, Ethics and Privilages for further legislative actions.

Also at plenary bill for a law to repeal the Delta State House of Assembly Commission law, 2013 and enact the Delta State House of Assembly law 2021 was read for the first time.

The bill was presented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ochor Christopher Ochor.

The second reading has been slated for Tuesday 22nd June 2021.

The Speaker also at plenary read letters from Six Local Government Council Chairman that submitted names for nominees as Local Government Council Secretary.