Lagos State Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has questioned the qualification of some people nominated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for appointment as commissioners.
Obasa said during Monday’s plenary session that two of the nominees were rejected and the rejection was not based on their qualifications, experience or exposure.
background
In July, Sanwo-Olu transmitted a list containing 39 candidates to the legislative arm for selection and appointment as commissioners.
The House acquitted 22 of the nominees and rejected 17 others, including six former first-term governor commissioners.
Former commissioners include Gbenga Omotoso (Information and Strategy), Akin Abayomi (Health) and Sam Egube (Economic Planning and Budget).
Others are Cecilia Dada (Women’s Issues and Poverty Alleviation), Olalere Odusote (Energy Resources) Folashade Adefisayo (Education).
The recent event has caused a stir, with many suggesting that the Governor and the Speaker are at odds.
Rejection
Obasa, during the plenary session, specifically spoke about the rejection of two of the former commissioners: Akin Abayomi (health) and Gbenga Omotoso (Information).
Speaking of the pushback from some technocrats like the former health commissioner, who many say should not have been disqualified given his academic qualifications and his success in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Obasa said that “before COVID, which is an isolated case. In this case, we had Ebola, which Fashola also dealt with.”
“It’s not about qualifications, it’s not about experience, it’s not about exposure. We are the representatives of the people, the spokesperson, the ears and the eyes of the people.”
He said having different academic qualifications “might not be enough” to be confirmed as commissioner.
Obasa said the state’s healthcare sector is not about COVID-19“We have a general hospital in Ikeja, we have a general hospital in all our local governments, what do we have to say about it?”
Speaking of Mr. Omotoso’s rejection, he said: “We have always had our information ministry there. If we talk about your experience, your exposure, what happened to LTV 8 (state television)?”
“Have they taken the time to investigate and do something that they are not in a position to understand?”
He also said that “if anyone is interested in knowing why we have made that decision, come to the house.”
ALSO READ: Sanwo-Olu appoints six ‘outside cabinet’ special advisers
The announcer also said that during the screening they made a discovery “and we will not be forced to reveal it.”
However, he did not say how the 22 commissioners were vetted and confirmed.
“Definitive decision”
Obasa went on to say that the House’s decision on the cabinet is final.
“But if there is any reason for us to reverse our decision, if there is and it is relevant and compelling, then maybe we can do it, but not through threats,” he said.
“And in our own opinion, if they (the technocrats) haven’t gotten it right, we’re entitled to say no and we’ve said it.
“And it is good to advise the man who lives in a glass house not to throw stones, otherwise the glass might break.”
Read More Related News Here
Let hear it in the comment below if you do have an opinion on this; Lagos President Obasa Speaks Out on Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Commissioner Candidates Rejection