How Lagos Assembly Stopped Salaries Of Government Appointees Without House Approval

The Lagos State House of Assembly has ordered the withdrawal of letters given to government appointees.

NEWS DAIRY reports that the nominations should have been sent to the House for their screening and confirmation, adding that they took up the jobs without due process.

The House also ordered immediate halting of salaries and remunerations enjoyed by the affected government appointees. The order was pending on appearances before the House.Information Guide Nigeria

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The Assembly further summoned 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.

Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, 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, said: “I quite agree with all of you that the failure of such nominees to appear is an infraction or violation of the laws of this House, especially as it relates to the MDAs, most of which were established by the laws of this House.”

“It is becoming common and regular and if we fail to act now, it becomes a norm. I share your sentiments that there is a need for us to put a stop to this. I am aware of the development in the Audit Commission, I am aware of the one in the Law Reform Commission and now the Auditor-General and some others,” he said.

Raising the issue earlier, 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.

“Section 126, subsection 3 provides that except with the resolution of a State Assembly, no person shall act in the office of the Auditor-General for a state for a period exceeding six months.

“As the chairman, House committee on legislative compliance, I have observed that some appointments to boards and other agencies were not brought to this noble House. If this persists, the principle of separation of powers will be in jeopardy.NYSC Portal

“For example, the Auditor-General was appointed on the September 22, 2022 and today is April 11, 2023,” Adams said adding that the Auditor-General’s appointment in acting capacity had exceeded what the laws stipulate.

In addition, Hon. Victor Akande observed that the situation happened in the judiciary where an appointment was done without recourse to the House and due process.

Another lawmaker, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh lamented,“Separation of power is a doctrine enshrined in the constitution. The executive has the right to nominate people and the House has the responsibility to either confirm or reject such nominations.

“It is not only in the office of the Auditor-General, but I don’t know in what capacity one can act beyond the time limit without recourse to the House,” he said while urging the House to look at the issue holistically so as to put an end to what could cause issues later.

Hon. Femi Saheed suggested that “in line with the constitution, anyone acting outside the stipulated time must recourse to the House.”

NEWS DAIRY reports that Hon. Desmond Elliot called on the House to act in a way to curtail any future occurrence. He suggested that the Head of Service be made to appear before the House to clear himself over the issue.JAMB Result

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