Lagos Assembly gives Commissioner two-day ultimatum

The Lagos State Legislative Assembly has given a two-day ultimatum to the Riverside Infrastructure Commissioner, Kabiru Abdullahi, to appear before it.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summons follows the Commissioner's refusal to honor previous invitations extended to him by the assembly.

The House issued the order following a motion moved by House Waterfront Infrastructure Committee Chairman Wahab Jimoh during Tuesday’s plenary session.

Mr. Jimoh called the commissioner's continued refusal to honor invitations extended to him by his commission as unacceptable.

Mr. Jimoh told his colleagues that the commissioner has always made the committee's oversight duties difficult by refusing to honor invitations and submit necessary documents.

He said: "It should be noted that it was this chamber that approved his appointment, but the commissioner refused to submit the mid-year budget report for review and assessment.

“Currently, the ministry has been invited but as I speak, the commissioner has refused to honor the invitation.

"I want to suggest that my committee be instructed to conduct a thorough investigation.

"While the house is also expected to put on hold, confirmation of his appointment is pending when the investigation is concluded."

Supporting him, another legislator, Bisi Yusuff, noted that the legislature is the most important arm of government in a democracy and as such should be respected.

Comment, Adewale Temitope noted that the main responsibility of the house, beyond representation, was oversight.

He suggested that the commissioner appear to justify why he had not honored previous invitations.

In his contribution, Abiodun Tobun urged the house to allow a full investigation into the activities of the incumbent commissioner for treating the house lightly.

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His positions were supported by Adedamola Kasunmu, Sa'ad Olumo and Victor Akande.

In his decision, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, ordered the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to write to the Commissioner to appear on Thursday with all the necessary documents.

"I have listened to your arguments and I want to ask the chair and committee members to express their anger to him.

"We should give him another opportunity to appear before you on Thursday, without fail.

"The commissioner must also present himself with all the necessary documents", launched the speaker.

In a related development, the house read the Lagos State Electricity Bill and Public Defenders Office Amendment Bill for the first time.

It also required the submission of a report on the Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Bill.

(NAN)

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