Lagos Assembly demands withdrawal of appointment letters from unscreened appointees
…summons Head of Service, Bode Agoro
The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately withdraw the appointment letters issued to unscreened appointees currently heading various government agencies.
The lawmakers also directed the state’s Accountant-General to halt salary payments to such appointees, insisting they should stop parading themselves as government officials until properly screened.
In addition, the Assembly summoned the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, to appear before it to explain why some appointees assumed office without the statutory approval of the House.
The resolutions followed a motion moved during Tuesday’s plenary session by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Setonji David, who cited Sections 126 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandating legislative confirmation of public office holders before they assume duties.
David stressed that it is the constitutional responsibility of the Assembly to ensure that only individuals of integrity, competence, and capacity are cleared to hold public office.
He observed that some governing Board Councils, General Managers, Managing Directors, Chairmen and members of Boards appointed by the governor have commenced operation without the confirmation of the House.
David noted that these appointments into Board/Agencies without recourse to the House for necessary confirmation negates the principles of separation of powers and a breach of extant laws.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Lukmoh Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) lamented that agencies headed by unscreened appointees often disregard invitations from House committees, saying that the unscreened appointees often argue they are not under the legislature’s supervision.
Similarly, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1) maintained that anyone seeking public office must be open to legislative scrutiny, which not only tests their capabilities but also makes their appointment transparent to the public.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, decried the continued disregard for House directives on unscreened appointees, describing it as disrespectful. He warned that the Assembly would not condone further breaches of constitutional provisions regarding appointments.
