By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to withdraw the appointment letters issued to unscreened appointees currently heading various state government agencies.

The lawmakers also directed the state’s Accountant-General to halt salary payments to such appointees, insisting they should stop parading themselves as government officials until properly screened.

In addition, the Assembly also summoned the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, to appear before it to explain why some appointees were allowed to assume office without the statutory approval of the House.

These resolutions were made following a motion moved during Tuesday’s plenary by the Deputy Chief Whip, Mr. David Setonji.

Speaker of the House, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, decried the continued disregard for House directives on unscreened appointees.

The speaker described it as disrespectful, saying that the Assembly would not condone further breaches of constitutional provisions regarding appointments.

Earlier, Setonji had cited Sections 126 and 198 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which mandated legislative confirmation of public office holders before they assume duties.

Setonji said it was the constitutional responsibility of the Assembly to ensure that only individuals of integrity, competence, and capacity are cleared to hold public office.

Contributing to the debate, Mr. Lukmoh Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) lamented that agencies headed by unscreened appointees often disregard invitations from House committees.

Olumoh said that the unscreened appointees often argue they were not under the legislature’s supervision.

Similarly, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1) maintained that anyone seeking public office must be open to legislative scrutiny.

Ogundipe said this not only tests their capabilities, but also makes their appointment transparent to the public. (NAN)