Edo State House of Assembly Must stop attempts to undermine Judicial Financial Autonomy -- Vanguard for judicial independence

PRESS STATEMENT

VANGUARD FOR THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE IMPERATIVENESS OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF EDO STATE JUDICIARY
DATE: 19TH AUGUST, 2026

EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MUST STOP ATTEMPTS TO UNDERMINE JUDICIAL FINANCIAL AUTONOMY

The Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary has noted with grave concern reports and ongoing moves within the Edo State House of Assembly aimed at eroding the financial autonomy of the Judiciary in Edo State.

We unequivocally condemn any attempt, whether direct or by subterfuge, to claw back the gains of Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, and the Judicial Financial Autonomy provisions that have been domesticated in Edo State.

*Financial independence is the bedrock of judicial independence.* A Judiciary that must beg, lobby, or wait on the Executive or Legislature for its funding cannot dispense justice without fear or favor. Any attempt to take away this autonomy is an attack not just on Judges, but on every citizen who seeks justice in Edo State.

We therefore *CALL ON THE EDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY TO STOP AND DESIST* from any legislative action, bill, or appropriation maneuver designed to undermine, delay, or reverse the financial independence of the Edo State Judiciary.

The Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary reminds all stakeholders that:
1. *The Rule of Law* demands a Judiciary that is insulated from financial pressure.
2. *Separation of Powers* must be respected in letter and in spirit.
3. *Public Confidence* in the justice system will collapse if the Judiciary is reduced to a department of the Executive.

We urge well-meaning Edo citizens, the Nigeria Bar Association Edo Branches, Civil Society, and all lovers of democracy to rise in defense of this critical institution.

Edo State deserves a Judiciary that is independent, adequately funded, and free to serve the people without interference.

Signed,
For: THE VANGUARD FOR THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY
Nkechi Edogbo, Communications Officer,Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary