The Speaker, Kwara House of Assembly, Hon. Rasaq Atunwa, has advocated full financial autonomy for the  legislature in states to enable them deliver dividends of democracy.

Atunwa made the call on Thursday in Ilorin when a delegation from the Abuja-based Accountability and Voice Initiative Group visited the Assembly.

The group was in the state in continuation of its nationwide tour of state Houses of Assembly to campaign for financial autonomy.

The Speaker noted that financial autonomy for state Houses of Assembly would enable the lawmakers to effectively carry out their oversight duties.

Atunwa decried a situation where the legislatures looked up to the executive to approve funds for the execution of its mandate.

He called on governors to support the move for financial autonomy, saying  "any state governor who is against financial autonomy for the state houses of assembly should be tagged as a dictator and put to public shame.''

Earlier, the leader of the group, John Mutu, said financial autonomy for the legislature in states should not result in friction with the executive.

Mutu said Nigerians were now looking forward to a legislature that would hold the executive accountable for the resources allocated to it.

He commended Kwara Assembly for its bold initiative in canvassing for financial autonomy.