….Demands LG Autonomy
By Sheun Akinremi
The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to withdraw appointment letters issued to heads of agencies who assumed office without legislative confirmation.
The lawmakers also ordered the State Accountant-General to stop paying salaries and allowances of the affected appointees, insisting that no agency should be led by officials not screened and approved by the Assembly.
The directive followed a motion raised by Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I), who argued that unscreened appointees often resist oversight, claiming exemption from Assembly supervision. He warned that several ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) were operating illegally under such arrangements.
Supporting the motion, Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo I) stressed that legislative scrutiny was essential for transparency and competence in public office.
Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, visibly displeased, said the recurring disregard for legislative authority was unacceptable. “It is unnecessary for the Head of Service to continue ignoring the directive of the House. The Assembly allocates funds to these agencies, yet their heads treat us with disrespect,” Obasa said.
The House also summoned the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, to explain why unconfirmed appointees were allowed to resume duties.
In a related development, the Assembly urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to support financial autonomy for local governments by mandating the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to design a framework for independent funding of council legislatures.
The resolution, sponsored by Sani Okanlawon (Kosofe I), highlighted the need for councilors’ financial independence to deepen grassroots democracy. Obasa further raised concern over reports that some former council chairmen allegedly retain control of council accounts through managers and treasurers after leaving office, calling for immediate corrective measures.
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