LAGOS ASSEMBLY SUMMONS TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OVER APPOINTMENTS WITHOUT SCREENING

The House, which asked that the appointment letters handed the appointees be withdrawn pending their confirmation by the lawmakers, also invited three top officials.

Those invited include the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Accountant General, Dr. Muritala Abiodun and the Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponle.

The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, who presided over plenary, agreed with the lawmakers that such appointments without recourse to the House for screening and confirmation amounted to infraction.

These resolutions by the House followed an issue raised under Matter of Urgent Public Importance by the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams.

Hon. Adams, who also doubles as Chairman, Legislative Compliance, disclosed that some appointees including the Auditor-General have not been confirmed by the House as stipulated by Section 198 of the Constitution as well as others sections.

Section 198 states: “Chairman and members of any of the bodies so established shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, be appointed by Governor of the State and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by a resolution of the House of Assembly of the State.”

Supporting his submission, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu noted that the stipulations of Section 198 should be adhered to and every remuneration collected by the appointees be returned to the coffers of the State.

Hon. Victor Akande noted that the same issue had happened in the judiciary while Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh opined that a Committee be set up to look into the matter.

Hon. Desmond Elliot stated that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) also had the issue, especially in constituting Board of Directors without the clearance and approval of the House.
The House, thus, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to send the resolutions to the appropriate authorities.

The House later adjourned Sine die.