Lagos State Assembly on Tuesday subpoenaed State Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development Kabiru Abdullahi for disrespecting the House by refusing to comply with an invitation from a committee overseeing the ministry.
According to the press release, signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Eromosele Ebhomele states that Abdullahi disregarded the House of Assembly by refusing to accept an invitation from a committee of the House.
“They also prayed that the House Waterfront and Infrastructure Committee would be tasked with conducting a holistic inquiry into the ministry since Abdullahi’s appointment while the House shelved confirmation of the commissioner’s appointment.”
Obasa, on the other hand, urged the committee and members of the House to reconsider their prayer and give the commissioner another chance to appear before the House.
In this regard, the Speaker instructed House Secretary Olalekan Onafeko to write to the Commissioner to appear on Thursday, September 15, 2022 with all the necessary documents.
“I have listened to your submissions and would appeal to the Chair, Committee and Members to sheathe their swords as we give the Commissioner another opportunity to appear before you on Thursday, imperatively.
He should also appear with all the necessary documents,” appealed the spokesman.
Muyiwa Jimoh, who introduced the motion, complained that the commissioner had repeatedly refused to accept invitations from committees.
“It should be noted that this House has approved his appointment,” Jimoh said, adding that the commissioner declined to submit the mid-year budget report for review and evaluation.
“Currently the Ministry has been invited, but as I speak the Commissioner has declined to accept the invitation.
“The House Committee on Waterfront Infrastructure needs to be mandated to conduct a full investigation.
The House of Representatives should also put the confirmation of his appointment on hold pending the completion of the investigation,” he said.
Another lawmaker, Bisi Yusuff, supported him, noting 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 called on the House to allow a full inquiry into the Commissioner’s activities in office because he had treated the House with frivolity.
Their positions were supported by Adedamola Kasunmu, Sa’ad Olumo and Victor Akande.
Another lawmaker, Adewale Temitope, noted that the House of Representatives’ primary responsibility, aside from representation, is oversight.
He suggested that the commissioner should appear to defend why he would not accept previous invitations.
In a related development, lawmakers read the Lagos State Electric Bill and the Office of the Public Defenders Amendment Bill for the first time.
They also received the presentation of a report on the Victim Assistance and Witness Protection Act.
