Buhari Blames Constitutional Constraint for Delay in State Legislatures’ Autonomy

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged lawmakers in the country to always place the interest of the people first in all deliberations and negotiations.

He stated this on Thursday in Abuja while pointing out that the autonomy of state legislatures has been constrained by the constitution.

Speaking while receiving the Conference of Speakers at the Presidential Villa, President Buhari said the constitution upholds the standard for all public officers and institutional operations.

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While noting that it must be adhered to, or altered to reflect some dynamics and realities of the country the president said he tries as much as he can to always be loyal and obedient to it so long as it is humanly possible.

The President said his administration will keep pursuing the prosperity of all Nigerians by creating more jobs for the people, and plugging the weaknesses exploited by many to make quick money.

“The 8th National Assembly sometimes kept the budget for seven months. And I had to call the Senate President and the Speaker then. I told them by delaying passage of the budget you are not hurting Buhari, but the people,’’ he added.

President Buhari, who noted that the delay persisted in spite of his efforts to seek more understanding said he will ensure equity and fairness that put the ordinary Nigerian on top priority, and assured that he will continue to focus on health, education, infrastructure and improve lives through social intervention programmes.

“We have in the last four years dedicated significant resources to key social services sectors especially in health, education as well as our massive social investment programs. We have also started restoring our infrastructure to levels that this country expects.

“I also want to assure you that we remain committed to ensuring that equity and fairness prevail in governance. I will ensure that we consult your conference to further enhance the positive impact of our interventions across the country,’’ President Buhari said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Mudashiru Obasa, commended the President for the fight against corruption and insurgency, and efforts to ensure financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary.

Obasa who is also the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly said the legislatures would be further pleased if the President issues an executive order directing the Accountant General of the Federation to separate funds for the state legislature and judiciary at the source.

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The Conference of Speakers chairman also urged the President to consider supporting the devolution of powers to states on some issues on the exclusive list like railway and the police for more effective governance.

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