Lagos Assembly faults Sanwo-Olu on appointments without legislative approval

IBRAHIM QUADRI

Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction over the failure of the executive arm on the appointment of members of boards and agencies without the approval of the legislative body as stipulated by the constitution.

The House therefore directed the State Head of Service, Mr Muri Okunola, Accountant General, Shefiu Abiodun Muritala and Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Ajibola Ponle to appear before it and brief members over the lapses.

Moving the motion Under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams called the attention of the House to alleged flagrant abuse of separation of powers by the executive over failure to have recourse to the House before appointments of board and agencies members.

Adams said, “I rise this afternoon calling the attention of the House to Government appointees to boards, agencies and councils in the State who were given appointments without the approval of the House.”

He explained that the Nigerian constitution in section 196(2) stipulates that remunerations of advisers and other appointees of the State Governor are subjected to the approval of the House.

He further noted that section 176(3) notes person shall not occupy the office of the Accountant General in acting capacity for more than six months.

The lawmaker who is the chairman House Committee on Legislative Compliance wondered why the State Accountant General has been in office since September, 2022 in acting capacity in disregard to the provision of the laws.

In his comments, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa who presided over the plenary agreed with the prayers and submissions of other members, saying failure to appear before the House for approval negates the principle of separation of powers.

The Speaker stated, “I quite agree with all of you. Failure to appear before the House is an infraction that violates the laws especially as regards MDAs. Although some might not be subjected to the provisions of the constitution.

“If we fail to act now, it becomes the norm. I share your sentiments that we should put a stop to it. While I support your prayers but it is better we write Head of Service, Accountant General and Commissioner for Establishments,” Obasa stated.

He therefore ruled that those whose appointments did not comply with the laws, their remunerations must stop while their letters should be withdrawn.

While reiterating on the motion, Hon Victor Akande said such infringement was also noticeable in the judiciary, saying the House would have to make it holistic approach.

Hon Lukman Olumoh added, “I think this is getting too many. The doctrine of separation of powers must be respected. We need to set up committee to look at this issue while calling on the Governor to put an end to this problem.”

Hon Rotimi Olowo said, “We have plethora of appointments without recourse to the House. Appointment is different from nomination. We have to be careful not to face the wrath of the people.”