Ambode’s nominees face strict screening as Assemby lists various demands

The Lagos State House of Assembly is set to conduct screening of nominees for commissioners and special advisers sent to it for approval by the state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

Chairman of the ad-hoc committee set up by the House for the screening exercise, Honourable Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, who spoke on the procedure for the screening exercise, which will commence on Monday, explained that the House in setting up the committee, was exercising its constitutional power as provided for in Section 103 (1) of the constitution.

The section states that, “a House of Assembly may appoint a Committee of its members for any special or general purpose as in its opinions will be better regulated and managed by means of such a Committee, and may by resolution, regulation or otherwise as it thinks fit delegates any functions exercisable by it to any such Committee”.

Eshinlokun-Sanni, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the House, stated further that, Section 192(4) prescribes that, “no person shall be appointed as a Commissioner of the Government of a State unless he is qualified for election as a member of the House of Assembly of a State”.

According to him, to scale the screening process, each nominee is expected to present his or her original academic certificates, which will not only be sighted by members of the committee but also verified by the Department of State Security (DSS).

“Fake result or certificate leads to automatic disqualification or withdrawal of confirmation if already given,” the committee chairman said.

Eshinlokun-Sanni stated further that each nominee is also expected to show: “proof of party membership through letters from the state Chairman and his or her local government chairman of the party; should have the concurrence of the members representing his or her local government; should have clearance from the DSS.”

Other are that “each nominee must be certified physically fit by any government general hospital; must provide vision for the development of the state in his or her area of competence; must provide evidence of his residency of the state through Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA).”

The lawmaker further assured that the committee would perform its duty without fear or favour.

“Our general aim is to ensure that we assist in putting in place a cabinet that will work with Mr. Governor to put in place a government that will continue to improve and protect the welfare of our people; so, we will do our job in accordance with the dictate of the constitution”, he added.