The Taraba State House of Assembly on Wednesday took significant steps towards achieving financial autonomy for the state’s legislative arm of government.
This was evident when members collectively passed the second reading of a bill seeking to establish a legal framework for managing legislative funds.
Titled “A Bill for a Law to Make Provision for the Taraba State House of Assembly Legislative Funds Management and Other Matters Connected Therewith,” the legislation is jointly sponsored by the Speaker of the House, John Kizito Bonzena, and the member representing Mbamnga Constituency, Peter Abel Diah.
Leading the debate during plenary, Diah noted that the bill aims to promote the efficient and independent management of the Assembly’s finances.
He emphasised that, when passed, the bill would provide a solid legal foundation for handling pensions, salaries, and other operational expenses of the legislature.
Other lawmakers echoed their support for the bill, describing it as both necessary and long overdue.
The bill, they believed, would enhance the Assembly’s autonomy and operational effectiveness if eventually passed into law and assented to by the number one citizen of the state.
Following a unanimous voice vote, the bill was read for the second time. Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Haman Adama Abdullahi then referred the bill to the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation, Budget, and Planning.
The committee is expected to conduct a public hearing and submit its report within two weeks.
