Date: 2018-03-02

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has thrown his weight behind financial autonomy for judicial and legislative arms of government.

The governor said the financial independence of these arms of government was necessary because "we cannot hope to achieve the separation of powers, and checks and balances, as envisaged by our constitution, if the arms of government are financially reliant on another".

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said the governor spoke at the National Executive Council meeting of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), at the Kwara State Banquet Hall, Ilorin.

He noted that the national economy has hindered the desired autonomy rather than accelerate it.

The statement reads: "As desirable as this autonomy is, it is more likely to succeed when our economy becomes more stable, and our revenues improve.

"While some of the constitutional amendments are necessary because of the changing dynamics of our country, I believe that Nigeria is more in need of institutional reforms than anything else. What Nigeria needs are strong institutions to implement our laws, improve management of public resources, create prosperity for the good of the majority, and secure the confidence of all citizens, regardless of who is leading the country."

NBA National President Abubakar Balarabe Mahmud (SAN) praised the state's initiative in developing the state over the years.

He appealed for more investment in judicial infrastructure and improvement of judges' welfare.

Mahmud decried the spate of insecurity in Taraba, Benue, Zamfara and other states, and appealed to the Federal Government to address the multiplicity of security challenges in the country.