GAC meeting yields results, as Lagos Assembly commences screening of Sanwo-Olu Commissioner nominees today
The meeting of Governance Advisory Council (GAC) held last week at Lagos House seems to be yielding positive results as the Lagos State House of Assembly will today begin screening of the second batch of 18 commissioner-nominees sent by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Recall that of the 39 list submitted to the House on Friday July 28, by Sanwo-Olu, the House ended the screening approving 22 out of the entire nominees.
Among those who were left out were key members of Sanwo-Olu’s first term cabinet which was disbanded in May.
The lawmakers had earlier lamented the list had no broad coverage across local government areas in the State.
The exercise, which was done through a voice vote, was sequel to the screening of the nominees at the assembly’s Committee of the Whole at plenary.
The Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, yesterday at the plenary disclosed that the house will be screening the second batch of 18 commissioner-nominees sent by the Governor.
Checks by Nigerian NewsDirect revealed that the new list isn’t entirely new but a duplication of the lists earlier sent. This further cements speculation that the GAC meeting held last week was intended to resolve the crisis resulting in the rejection of the nominees.
Obasa yesterday urged the screening committee led by Mr. Fatai Mojeed to ensure a thorough screening process of the new nominees and report to the house on Thursday.
The Speaker said the 18 commissioner-nominees were Dr Afolabi Tajudeen, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Mr Olalere Odusote, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medem, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe and Mr Samuel Egube.
Obasa said others were Mr Tolani Akibu, Mrs Bolaji Dada, Mrs Barakat Bakare, Mr Olugbenga Omotoso, Mr Mosopefolu George, Mr Yekini Agbaje, Dr Olumide Oluyinka, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi, Dr Iyabode Ayoola and Mr Sola Giwa.
Prior to the Speaker’s comment, the Clerk of the House, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, read a letter from the governor listing the names presented.
Onafeko said Sanwo-Olu said some of the names were represented while new names were added.
The clerk said the letter thanked the Speaker and members of the house for their diligence and commitment in relation to the recent screening and confirmation of 22 nominees.
“Your rigorous assessment of these nominees in adherence to your constitutional obligations demonstrates your dedication to ensuring a competent and effective council.
“After careful consideration of the 17 names that were rejected, I have decided to represent a list of nominees which includes a balanced selection of previously presented and new individuals.
“This list represents a broad political spectrum and diverse backgrounds reflective of the rich diversity of our lovely state,” the clerk quoted Sanwo-Olu as saying.
The clerk quoted the Governor as saying that he was confident that the new nominees would bring fresh ideas that would help the growth and progress of the state.
