The Lagos State House of Assembly has raised concerns over the recurring practice of political appointees resuming office without the constitutionally required confirmation of the Legislature.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, described the trend as unacceptable, noting that the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, has continued to issue appointment letters without consulting the Assembly. He warned that such actions amount to undermining the authority of the House and vowed that the Legislature would no longer overlook the matter.
Obasa disclosed that the Head of Service will be summoned to clarify his actions, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been urged to revoke appointment letters already issued to appointees who bypassed legislative screening.
The resolution followed a motion titled “Need for Government Appointees to appear before the House for Confirmation.”
Presenting the motion, Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Setonji David, cited Sections 126 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stressing that no public officer should assume duty until screened and approved by the Legislature. He warned that neglecting this process erodes accountability and disrupts the balance of power between the arms of government.
In support, Hon. Desmond Elliot condemned the situation as a disregard for the Assembly’s authority, insisting that no government office or appointee should operate outside the law. He added that legislative oversight must be respected to safeguard order and good governance.
Similarly, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh pointed out that some agencies continue to function without clear legal frameworks, an anomaly he said must not persist in a state like Lagos, where the rule of law should be paramount.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe emphasized that legislative screening is not a mere ritual but a necessary process to ensure that only individuals with competence and integrity occupy public offices.
Contributing, Hon. Kehinde Joseph noted that such constitutional breaches have occurred multiple times, stressing that offenders must face sanctions. He argued that appointees who assumed office and spent public funds without confirmation should be made to refund such monies.
Hon. Rasheed Shabi added that many appointees have little regard for the laws of Lagos State, describing the issuance of appointment letters without legislative approval as a direct assault on the Assembly’s constitutional role.
At the end of deliberations, Speaker Obasa instructed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to communicate the Assembly’s resolution to Governor Sanwo-Olu for necessary action.
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