The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered the immediate withdrawal of letters given to government appointees whose nominations should have been sent to the House for their screening and confirmation, but who took up the jobs without due process. The Assembly has also ordered the immediate halting of salaries and remunerations enjoyed by the affected government appointees pending their appearances before the House. Additionally, the Assembly has summoned three top officials, including the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the Accountant-General of the State, Dr. Abiodun Muritala, and the state's Commissioner for Establishment, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, over the issue.
In a 'Matter of Urgent Public Importance' brought before the House by Hon. Noheem Adams, Deputy Majority Leader, the lawmakers lamented the increasing situation where supposed nominees of the governor continue to work without being screened and confirmed by the House. Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who presided at the sitting, agreed with the lawmakers that appointments of that nature without recourse to the House amounted to infractions.
Hon. Adams cited Section 196, subsection 2; Section 198, and Section 126, subsection 3, which give backing to the House of Assembly in respect of nominations by the governor for appointments. He observed that some appointments to boards and other agencies were not brought to the House and that if this persists, the principle of separation of powers will be in jeopardy.
Hon. Victor Akande observed that such appointments are considered null and void, and every remuneration that had gone out should be returned to the coffers of the State. Hon. Sa'ad Olumoh lamented that such appointments without regard for the House were becoming too many.
Hon. Rotimi Olowo noted the difference between nomination and appointment and called for people who are not cleared by the House to have their salaries returned to the coffers. Hon. Desmond Elliot called on the House to act in a way to curtail any future occurrence, while Hon. Femi Saheed suggested that "anyone acting outside the stipulated time must recourse to the House."
The House's decision is a necessary step to ensure that due process is followed in government appointments, and the principle of separation of powers is maintained. The affected government appointees must now appear before the House, and the appropriate screening and confirmation processes carried out before they can resume their positions.
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