The Lagos State Assembly summoned the State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Kabiru Abdullahi, on Tuesday for disrespecting the House by refusing to honor an invitation from a committee that oversees the ministry.
According to the release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Eromosele Ebhomele, it reads, “The lawmakers had complained that Abdullahi disrespected the House of Assembly by refusing to honour an invitation of a committee of the House.
“They also prayed that the Committee on Waterfront Infrastructure of the House be mandated to carry out a holistic investigation of the Ministry since Abdullahi’s appointment while the House places the confirmation of commissioner’s appointment on hold.”
Obasa, on the other hand, urged the committee and House members to reconsider their prayer, as well as to give the commissioner another chance to appear before the House.
In this regard, the Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to write to the commissioner to appear with all necessary documents on Thursday, September 15, 2022.
“I have listened to your submissions and I want to appeal to the chairman and the committee and members to sheathe their swords while we give the commissioner another opportunity to appear before you on Thursday unfailingly. He should also appear with all necessary documents,” the Speaker appealed.
Muyiwa Jimoh, who introduced the motion, complained that the commissioner had repeatedly refused to honor committee invitations.
“It would be noted that it is this House that approved his appointment,” Jimoh said adding that the commissioner had refused to submit the mid-year budget report for review and appraisal.
“Currently, the Ministry has been invited but as I am talking, the commissioner has refused to honour the invitation.
“The House Committee on Waterfront Infrastructure be made to carry out a comprehensive investigation. The House should also place on hold the confirmation of his appointment pending when the investigation is concluded,” he moved.
Supporting him, another lawmaker, Bisi Yusuff, noted that the legislature is the most important arm of government in a democracy and, as such, must be respected.
In their contributions, Abiodun Tobun and Gbolahan Yishawu urged the House to allow a full-scale investigation into the commissioner’s activities in office for treating the House with levity. Their positions were supported by Adedamola Kasunmu, Sa’ad Olumo and Victor Akande.
Another lawmaker, Adewale Temitope, noted that the primary responsibility of the House, beyond representation, is oversight. He suggested that the commissioner be made to appear to defend why he would not honour previous invitations.
In a related development, the lawmakers read the Lagos State Electric Bill and the Office of the Public Defenders Amendment Bill for the first time. They also took the presentation of a report of the Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Bill.
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