TheCable

Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti, has signed bills granting financial autonomy to the legislature and judiciary in the state.

The development comes weeks after governors approved a template to implement financial autonomy for legislature and judiciary across states.

The signing of the bills took place at the government house on Friday.

The governor signed a total of six bills on Friday, including that for the creation of new LGAS, and another to guarantee improved protection for the rights of consumers in the state.

In a statement after signing the bills, Fayemi said the decision to grant autonomy to the legislature and judiciary in the state is part of his administration’s commitment to good governance.

“I was pleased to sign into law six bills that affirm the commitment of my administration to good governance, transparency, fair and equal opportunity for development by all communities in our state,” he said.

“The Ekiti State Legislative (Fund Management) Bill and the Judiciary (Fund Management) Bill respectively provide for the self-management of funds by the State Legislature and the Judiciary.

“The Creation of Local Government Areas (Amendment) Bill will deepen the existing relationship between government and our people, as well as ensure the rapid development of all our communities through the creation of additional 19 LCDAs in Ekiti State.

“The office of the Attorney General’s Bill will ensure that our interventions in the justice sector are preserved and that successive governments build on what we have achieved on improving access to justice so far.

“The Consumer Protection Bill will promote and protect the rights of consumers in Ekiti State. This law provides a framework for aggrieved citizens to seek redress against unfair trade practices and unscrupulous exploitation of consumers.

“The Economic Development Council Bill seeks to facilitate economic growth, development partnerships between the public, private and international sectors, and business competitiveness of Ekiti State by establishing the Economic Development Council.”

Fayemi also commended the state house of assembly “for painstakingly making tangible laws”, adding that “it is my prayer that the purpose for which these laws were enacted will be met to the glory of God and for the benefit of the people of Ekiti State”.