No rift between Lagos assembly, executive over commissioners’ confirmation, says Sanwo-Olu

Babajide Sanwo–Olu, the governor of Lagos, says there is no bickering between the state executive and the house of assembly.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of new commissioners and special advisers on Wednesday, the governor said the initial rejection of some of the recommended nominees by the legislature was a testament to the independence of the institution.

Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for collaboration between the executive and the house of assembly.

“I am not unaware of the feelings in some quarters that the initial rejection of some nominees by the Lagos state house of assembly, necessitating the submission of a revised list of nominees, signified a call to arms between the executive and the legislature. I reject such feelings in totality,” he said.

“Thankfully, our constitution recognises that our people will be best served with a system of checks and balances that is led by independent bodies in each arm of government. 

“This system demands collaboration, and a willingness to give and take without rancour.

“That is what the executive and legislature of Lagos state, in the past few weeks, have fully demonstrated in arriving at this event today.

“I thank the right honourable speaker and all members of the Lagos state house of assembly for their diligence, cooperation and contribution.

“To the new members of the executive council, this spirit of cooperation and collaboration with the Lagos state house of assembly is one that you must continue to build on. The people of Lagos state demand and expect the best.”

The governor tasked members of the cabinet to offer their best for the progress of the state, saying “expectations of our people have never been higher than they are right now”. 

At the swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Ikeja, the Lagos state capital, the governor assigned portfolios to 23 commissioners and 14 special advisers.

On August 23, the state house of assembly declined to confirm 17 nominees out of the 39 forwarded by the governor for screening.

After a revised list was sent to the house by the governor in September, the lawmakers declined to clear three out of the new 18 commissioner-nominees recommended.

But on Tuesday, the house cleared Tolani Sule Akibu, one of the three candidates who were denied clearance.