LASG/LAHA power tussle escalates

By Lanre Adesanya

Sequel to the news already in public domain, on the possible institutional head on collision of the state legislature and executive ,over the state executives nominees constitutional screening by the House of Assembly.The Chairman of the 15 man ad-hoc committee has refuted the claim stating that there is no rift between them and the state Governor.

Also denying to have seen any correspondence indicating 5th October, today as the inauguration date for the yet to be screened nominees.

The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun while briefing the press on Friday at the Lateef Jankande Auditorium of the Lagos Assembly, cited constitutional provisions that accords credence to the ad-hoc committee as constituted, he also noted that the screening will begin today October 5, with nine of them to be screened per day of the week.

This development came as a shock to keen observers,as it had been stated in the press release from the Governor’s office containing the list of the nominees last week that the nominees would be sworn-in on Monday 5th October, 2015 while as the House adjourned to Tuesday 13th October, when the committee is expected to submit its report.
Contesting the claims Eshilokun maintained that,” In the letter we received from the governor, there is no line where it was written that the Commissioners would resume office on October 5. We were surprised when we read on pages of newspapers that the commissioners would commence work on October 5.

We are independent Assembly and as well have a cordial relationship with Governor Ambode, Deputy Governor and Secretary, we will not sacrifice excellence on the altar of cordiality “, said Eshinlokun

He explained further that the House has the constitutional power to set up committee to screen nominees for appointment before going to the plenary session, stating that the committee would examine the credentials of the nominees before allowing them to appear before the plenary.

Eshinlokun stated ” Section 192(4) of 1999 constitution as amended provides that no person shall be appointed as a Commissioner of the Government of a State unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Assembly of a State” , thus depicting political alignments in the appointments of the nominees.

It will be recalled that the House of Assembly on receiving the nominees list two weeks ago set up a screening committee to screen the credentials of nominees and give feedback to the Assembly before ratification of the list.