Release funds meant for judiciary, Reps tell FG
The House of Representatives on Thursday called on the Federal Government to release to the National Judicial Council (NJC) all outstanding funds approved in the 2016 Appropriation Act for the judiciary.
This resolution was passes sequel to a motion of urgent matter of public importance moved by Rep. Aminu Shagari
Moving the motion, Rep. Shagari said that the total sum of N70billion was approved for the judiciary in the 2016 budget, but observed that by virtue of Section 81(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the judiciary is under the first line charge on the consolidated revenue fund of the federation.
“For that reason,the release of this sum to the National Judicial Council should be given priority, subject to the provisions of the constitution, over and above any other public expenditures.
“Concern that contrary to this clear intendment of the drafters of our constitution, the federal executive picks and selects when to and how much to release to the National Judicial Council”, he stated.
The lawmaker expressed worry that the failure or refusal of the federal executive to release the budgetary allocation to the judiciary as when due is an infarction of Section 81 (3) of the constitution which if allowed to persist may lead to the grounding of the entire judiciary.
He added that any threat to the proper functioning of the judiciary is equally a threat to national peace and security.
Contributing to debate on the motion, Rep. Raphael igbokwe (PDP/Imo state) said the House should also use the opportunity to call on state governors to pay the backlog of workers’ salaries in their various states.
The House therefore mandated its committee on federal judiciary and finance to liaise with the relevant agencies to ensure compliance.
