Acting SGF ‘begs’ senate over appointment of lottery DG without confirmation

Ahmed Lawan, senate majority leader, says Habiba Lawal, acting secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), has apologised over the appointment of Lanre Gbajabiamila as director-general of national lottery commission.

The senate had complained that Gbajabiamila, nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari, had assumed his role without the confirmation of the upper legislative chamber.

On Wednesday, Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west, had informed his colleagues that Gbajabiamila assumed office without any referral to the senate.

He explained that the DG assumption of office was in contravention of section 8 (1) of the national lottery act which states that the appointment of the DG is subject to senate’s confirmation.

But speaking on the floor of the senate on Thursday, Lawan said he investigated Melaye’s assertion and found out that it was true.

He said the nominee erred and there was a “genuine appeal” from Lawal that such would not occur again.

“I investigated the issue very thoroughly yesterday and I stand here to report what actually happened. The nominee for the office the director-general of the national lottery commission actually assumed office,” he said.

“I think he was misadvised and therefore assumed office without going through the stipulated process. I spoke with all those who should know better including the acting secretary to the government of the federation and the conclusion is that he erred because probably he did not get the correct briefing that he should have waited until the due process and diligence were completed.

“I believe that was an error and there was a genuine appeal from the executive that no such thing would ever happen again. I advised the SGF that the nominee should not be seen within the vicinity of the office of the DG until he is confirmed and an appointment letter is given to him.

“I also want to use this opportunity to advise the executive that such a thing must not be allowed to repeat itself again and also for nominees who maybe so eager to start work that they should tarry a while until due diligence is followed to its logical conclusion.”

Reacting, George Sekibo, senator representing Rivers east, said the senate leader ought not to have brought the matter as a personal explanation as it should have been debated.

“It is a major issue. I am saying for caution, next time of this nature should not come under personal explanation,” he said.

“They should look for other orders to bring the matter so that it is open to us for debate.”

On his part, Senate President Bukola Saraki, said the senate must make sure that the situation does not occur again.

“I think you will agree with me that the leader has done a very thorough job and responded promptly in 24 hours, firstly to established that the point raised by senator Dino was factual and that this kind of thing, we must stamp it out and it must not occur again,” Saraki said.

“He has erred and probably been misguided. He must not be seen in that area.”