The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for the immediate withdrawal of letters and stoppage of emoluments of the state appointees across the boards and agencies, citing the executive unwilling mien to give room for separation of power which mandates legislative screening and confirmation on the appointments as a misnomer.
Piqued by the seeming flagrant disregard for it, the House has directed the State Head of Service, Mr. Muri Okunola, Accountant General, Shefiu Abiodun Muritala and Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Ajibola Ponle to appear before it over the lapses observed.
The motion was marshalled by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams under Matters of Urgent Public Importance; he called the attention of the House to the alleged mindless abuse of separation of powers by the executive with respect to their refusal to abide by the constitutional proviso which mandates it to make a recourse to the House prior to any 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) states that the 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 the acting capacity since September, 2022 citing it as a disregard for the provision of the laws.
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 Establiments,” Obasa stated.
He therefore ruled that those whose appointments did not comply with the laws, their remunerations must stop and their letters of appointment withdrawn.
Hon. Rotimi Olowo, who noted the difference between nomination and appointment, lamented: “Today, we have a lot of people parading themselves with many names without appearing before this House for clearance. It should not be a padi-padi thing. This is a constitutional matter and if we do not adhere, we would end up facing the wrought of the people.”
He said it was an infraction to have people who are not cleared by the House receiving salaries and “I am of the opinion that such money is supposed to be returned to the coffers.”
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.”