Suspended Ogun Assembly member begs for forgiveness

Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta

One of the two lawmakers recently suspended by the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Osho representing Remo North local government, has formally apologised to the House over whatever could have led to his suspension.

Hon. Solomon Osho and the former Deputy Speaker of the house representing Ijebu North constituency II were suspended about two weeks ago after a resolution was passed by the appropriate number of the lawmakers alleging them of breach of the provision of the Legislative Houses (Power and Priviledges) Act, 2017.

However, during the sitting of the house on Tuesday, the suspended lawmaker sent a letter of apology to the lawmakers seeking for forgiveness over whatever his offences might have been.

The apology was said to have been contained in a correspondence dated 26th September, 2022 and addressed to the Rt. Hon Speaker, which reads, “I hereby humbly apologise for whatever I might have done to warrant the suspension, as it was never intentional and without prejudice to the rights and Priviledges of the Hallowed House.

“Furthermore, I passionately appeal for reconsideration of my suspension, as my conduct has (sic) always been with decorum and respect for constituted authority. This I hope and pledge to keep sacred till the end of my tenure as worthy representative of my people.

“Thank you Mr. Speaker and the House in anticipation of a favourable reconsideration, and understanding.”

Responding, the Speaker charged the correspondence to the Committee of the Whole House for further legislative actions.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers during the sitting confirmed Governor Dapo Abiodun’s nominee, Mr. Lateef Balogun, for the post of the State Auditor General,  urging the Governor to go ahead and appoint him as the new Auditor General for the State.

The confirmation followed the presentation of the report of the Committee of the Whole House, chaired by Speaker Olakunle Oluomo as presented by his Deputy, Akeem Balogun, who also moved for its adoption, seconded by Hon. Bolanle Ajayi and supported by the Whole House.

The report partly reads: “The curriculum vitae and credentials of the nominee were thoroughly and carefully scrutinised by honourable members.  Thereafter, the nominee was interviewed.  The Committee found Mr. Balogun Akorede Lateef eligible and suitable for appointment into the exalted office of State Auditor General in the State.

“The Committee, therefore recommended that the confirmation of the screened nominee for appointment as the State Auditor-General be approved by the House, having found him eligible and suitable to hold the Office, in consonance with the provision of section 126 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as altered).”

Consequently, the Deputy Speaker moved the motion for the confirmation of appointment of the new Auditor General, seconded by Hon. Musefiu Lamidi and supported by the Whole House through a unanimous voice vote.