Kingsley Ohens reporting 

BENIN CITY, Edo State — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assented to the Edo House of Assembly Funds Management Bill 2023 and the State Judiciary Financial Autonomy 2023 Amendment Bill, signalling a renewed push to strengthen accountability and ensure prudent management of public funds in the state.

Governor Okpebholo signed the two bills into law on Monday at the Government House, Benin City, while receiving the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Prince Yekini Idiaye.

The Governor commended the lawmakers for the swift passage of the legislation, expressing satisfaction that the issue surrounding the management of funds allocated to the legislative and judicial arms of government had been addressed.

Okpebholo stressed the importance of maintaining the constitutional boundaries and responsibilities of the three arms of government, noting that each arm has a distinct role in ensuring effective governance.

He explained that the executive is responsible for administration and implementation, the legislature for lawmaking and oversight, while the judiciary is responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.

The Governor said adherence to these constitutional responsibilities was essential to preventing institutional overlap and ensuring that government functions effectively.

He also raised concerns over the management of funds earmarked for capital projects, noting that such projects remain one of the most visible ways government can deliver tangible development and improve the quality of life of citizens.

Okpebholo commended the lawmakers for what he described as standing with the people, saying the legislation demonstrated their commitment to responsible governance and the development of Edo State.

Earlier, Speaker Idiaye clarified that the legislation did not remove the financial autonomy of either the House of Assembly or the judiciary.

According to him, recurrent expenditure would continue to be provided for the Assembly and judiciary, while the amendment specifically addresses the management of capital funds.

Idiaye explained that the capital component had been subject to abuse, making it necessary to establish a framework that would ensure greater accountability in the utilisation of such resources.

He said the executive would manage the capital component through the appropriation process, while the Assembly and judiciary would submit proposals for capital projects to the executive for consideration and approval before accessing the funds.

The Speaker emphasised that the arrangement did not compromise the financial autonomy of the two institutions, assuring stakeholders that the autonomy remained intact.

“The autonomy is still in place, there is no fear on any side, and the unions should not have any fear,” Idiaye said.

He further clarified that workers’ salaries would not be affected by the amendment, stressing that the legislation concerns the management of capital funds and does not affect recurrent expenditure.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okpebholo, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, in the statement issued on Monday, August 24, 2026, said the Governor’s assent to the bills underscored the administration’s commitment to strengthening financial accountability, promoting responsible governance and ensuring that public resources are deployed for their intended purposes.

The development marks another step in the Okpebholo administration’s efforts to improve public financial management while ensuring that government expenditure translates into meaningful development and tangible benefits for the people of Edo State.