Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has explained why he sent executive bills to the State House of Assembly seeking amendments to the financial autonomy laws of the Assembly and the judiciary.
DAILY POST reports that financial autonomy was granted to the two arms of government during the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki in 2023.
Okpebholo gave the explanation while assenting to the amended bills at the Government House, a few hours after the Yekini Idaiye-led Assembly passed them on Monday, August 24, 2026.
The governor said the amendments became necessary because funds meant for capital projects were no longer reaching the people.
He noted that capital projects remained one of the most visible ways the government could improve the lives of residents.
Okpebholo, however, maintained that the three arms of government — the executive, legislature and judiciary — had distinct responsibilities and should operate within their constitutional mandates.
The governor described the issue as having become “like a controversial law” and commended the lawmakers for the swift passage of the legislation.
He expressed delight that the matter had been resolved.
According to him, “I am indeed delighted because this has become like a controversial law, I must confess to you.
“The executive is responsible for administration and implementation, while the legislature makes laws and performs oversight functions, and the judiciary interprets laws and punishes offenders.
“For me, deviating from these is totally out of the field of play, changing the goalpost. I saw danger in it and the way things were going,” he said.
He also commended the lawmakers for standing by the people, saying their action demonstrated their commitment to the development of Edo State.
Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Yekini Idaiye, said the legislation did not remove the financial autonomy of the Assembly or the judiciary.
Idaiye explained that recurrent expenditure would continue to go to the assembly and judiciary, while the amendment was focused on the management of capital funds.
“It is the capital part of the funds that has issues. It was badly abused.
“The governor’s position was aimed at preventing further abuse of capital funds by ensuring that the executive handles the capital component through the appropriation process.
“The Assembly and judiciary would submit proposals to the executive for approval before accessing funds for capital projects.
“The autonomy is still in place, there is no fear on any side, and the unions should not have any fear,” he added.
Idaiye further said the workers’ salaries were not affected by the amendment.
“I believe they have not been properly briefed, but the autonomy is still in order and the workers’ salaries are not touched,” he added.
Why I sought amendments to assembly, judiciary financial autonomy laws — Okpebholo