Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state Tuesday said the autonomy and independence of the three arms of government (executives, legislature and judiciary) is best for Nigeria’s democratic system.
Obaseki said his administration “has continued to obey and respect the relevant section of the 1999 constitution on judicial autonomy”.
Judiciary workers are at loggerheads with their respective State governors over the implementation of autonomy.
Obaseki disclosed this during a courtesy visit by executive members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Edo state chapter at the Government House in Benin City.
According to him, “The issue of judicial autonomy and independence should not be in question or in doubt, as the functionality of the three arms of government independently is best for Nigeria’s democratic system.
“And I have listened to your presentation and wondered what the real issues are. But I think it is one of communication.
“Section 121 (3) of the 1999 constitution states clearly that any amount and outstanding to the credit of the Judiciary in the consolidated revenue fund shall be paid directly to the head of the courts concerned.
“It is clear. In Edo State, that is what we do for the legislature, judiciary and the local governments.”
“We have no issues with judicial autonomy but we need to state, understand and interpret the provision of the constitution and begin to adapt to them,” he added.
On his part, Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of the NBA, Pius Oiwoh, said: “We are here to present the issue of judicial autonomy.
