The Taraba State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the Taraba State Judiciary Fund Management Bill, 2026, through second reading during plenary, marking a significant step towards strengthening judicial autonomy in the state.
The bill, sponsored by the Speaker, John Kizito Bonzena, alongside Abel Peter Diah, was introduced following a motion moved by the Deputy Majority Leader, Nuhu Akila Rantiyo.
Leading debate on the floor of the House, Rantiyo described the proposed legislation as vital for enhancing the operational efficiency, independence, and accountability of the judiciary.
He noted that the bill seeks to establish a transparent framework for managing judicial finances by transitioning control from the executive arm to a fully autonomous system for the courts.
Lawmakers who contributed to the debate, including John Lamba, Tanko Abubakar Yusuf, and Tafarki Agbadu Eneme, emphasised the importance of the bill in addressing existing gaps in judicial financial control. They commended its sponsors and expressed strong support for its swift passage.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion for the bill’s second reading, after which the clerk, Amos Salmuna Sani, read the long title of the bill.
The Speaker subsequently referred the bill to the House Committee on Finance, Appropriation, and Economic Planning for further legislative scrutiny, including a public hearing, with a mandate to report back to the House.
In a separate development, the Assembly also screened and confirmed two commissioner nominees submitted by the state governor, Agbu Kefas.
Following their confirmation, the Speaker directed the Clerk to formally communicate the House’s resolution to the executive arm of government.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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