Lagos assembly summons head of service over ‘appointments without screening’

The Lagos house of assembly has summoned the state’s executive arm of government over appointments made without screening.

In a release on Tuesday, the house said some appointees, including Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the head of service, Muritala Abiodun, the accountant-general, and Ajibola Ponle, commissioner for establishment, training, and pensions — have not been confirmed by the assembly as required by section 198 of the constitution and other sections.

According to the release, the house directed that the appointment letters of those affected be withdrawn pending their confirmation by the lawmakers while inviting the officials.

Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker, who presided over the plenary, said such appointments without recourse to the house for screening and confirmation amounted to an infraction.

Earlier, Noheem Adams, deputy majority leader, had raised an issue under matter of urgent public importance.

The lawmaker told the house that some appointees were yet to be confirmed in violation of section 198 of the constitution.

“Section 198 states that chairman and members of any of the bodies so established shall, subject to the provisions of this Constitution, be appointed by Governor of the State and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by a resolution of the house of assembly of the state,” Adams said.

Speaking on the matter, Desmond Elliot, representing Surulere I, said ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) also had the issue, especially in constituting the board of directors without the clearance and approval of the house.