The Taraba State House of Assembly on Wednesday advanced its push for financial autonomy by passing the second reading of a bill aimed at establishing a legal framework for the management of legislative funds.
The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Make Provision for the Taraba State House of Assembly Legislative Funds Management and Other Matters Connected Therewith,” is co-sponsored by the Speaker, John Kizito Bonzena, and Peter Abel Diah, who represents Mbamnga Constituency.
Leading the debate on the floor of the House, Diah said the proposed law would ensure the efficient and independent financial management of the legislature.
He added that, when passed, it would provide a legal basis for administering pensions, salaries, and other key expenditures of the Assembly.
Several lawmakers supported the bill, describing it as timely and long overdue. They expressed confidence that its passage would boost the Assembly’s autonomy and improve its operational efficiency once it receives the governor’s assent.
After a unanimous voice vote, the bill scaled its second reading. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Haman Adama Abdullahi, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation, Budget, and Planning.
The committee has been directed to conduct a public hearing and submit its report within two weeks, marking another step toward institutionalizing financial independence for the Taraba legislature.