The Lagos House of Assembly has directed the State Accountant General to stop payment of salaries and allowances to nominees who were not screened and confirmed before assumption of duties.
It has also directed the State Head of Service to report before the House Committee of Legislative Compliance for clarification on why some political appointees assumed office without the statutory approval.
Member representing Ajeromi Ifelodun I constituency, Mr. Lukman Olumoh lamented that agencies whose heads were not screened often resist oversight, sometimes claiming they are not under the Assembly’s supervision.
He noted that some MDAs were operating illegally without legislative confirmation of their leaders.
Supporting the motion , lawmaker representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe said anyone seeking public office must be ready for legislative scrutiny.
He added that the confirmation process not only helps to evaluate competence but also ensures transparency in governance.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, in a remark expressed displeasure that the matter had become a recurring issue, stressing that it was wrong for the executive to disregard legislative authority.
“It is unnecessary for the Head of Service to continue to ignore the directive of the House of Assembly.
The House allocates funds to these agencies, yet their heads treat the Assembly with disrespect,” Obasa said.
The House resolution cited Sections 126 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulate that certain public officers appointed by the executive must be confirmed by the legislature before assuming office.
The House therefore called Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Head Of Service Bode Agoro to withdraw letters of appointment issued to heads of agencies who assumed office without legislative confirmation.
Reporting by Olusegun Haastrup