THE NATION

Some governors are delaying compliance with the Executive Order 10 by President Muhammadu Buhari on autonomy for the state judiciary and legislature due to the pending case at the Supreme Court on the matter, it was learnt yesterday.

Sources also said some governors are unhappy with the activities of the Presidential Implementation Committee set up by the President.

The governors have faulted the agreement between the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASSAN) and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

Only 12 of 36 states have passed the appropriate law for autonomy for state legislature and judiciary, despite the signing of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) by the NGF.

The states are: Plateau; Sokoto; Bauchi; Bayelsa; Enugu; Lagos; Imo; Jigawa; Kwara; Taraba; Nassarawa and Kaduna.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that many  of the governors have opted to wait for the decision of the apex court before giving effect to EO 10.

There were indications that the Supreme Court may give judgment next month to resolve the impasse.

A governor, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “All the 36 states have filed an action at the Supreme Court to challenge the legality of the Presidential Executive Order 10 of 2020 on the financial independence of state judiciaries and legislatures.

“We are seeking the interpretation of Sections 6(5), 81(3), 84 , 121(3)  and item 21(3) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 constitution (as amended).

“The appropriate thing is for all parties to stay action until the determination of the matter before the apex court.

“So, if we have legal basis, we will go ahead to encourage our Houses of Assembly to enact appropriate law on autonomy for the Judiciary and the legislature.”