The Nigerian Senate has resolved that the Director General of the National Lottery Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, steps aside until due process is carried out on his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The resolution was sequel to the follow-up on a petition laid by Senator Dino Melaye, representing Kogi West, on the appointment of the Lottery Commission DG by the President without the confirmation of the Senate.

Melaye had asked the Senate Leader during Wednesday’s plenary to take up the matter, saying: “Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, as I speak, the DG has resumed at the Commission without passing through the checks of Senate as required by law. Nigerians must be respected.”

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan, during the plenary on Thursday, confirmed that Mr. Gbajabiamila assumed office without going through due process. He informed the lawmakers that he liaised with the Executive on the issue and the Executive apologised over the issue, assuring that such would not repeat itself.

“The DG erred because he did not get the correct briefing and thus made a genuine appeal,” Lawan said.

Senate President Bukola Saraki, while reacting to the issue, said: “Those eager to resume office must follow due process. We must respect our laws and processes.”