The
Senate, on Thursday, ordered an appointee of President Muhammadu Buhari, Lanre
Gbajabiamila, to stay away from office as the Director-General of the National
Lottery Regulation Commission, pending his confirmation in line with the law
establishing the agency.
Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, APC, had told the Senate on Wednesday that Mr. Gbajabiamila had resumed office, after his appointment was announced
by Mr. Buhari in April,
without Senate confirmation.
Section 8(1) of the Nigerian Lottery Regulation
Commission Act says the President shall appoint the Director-General subject to
the confirmation of the Senate.
Following Mr. Melaye’s complaint, Senate
President Bukola Saraki tasked Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan to investigate the
allegation.
On Thursday, Mr. Lawan, barely 24 hours after
the task was assigned, reported back to the Senate and confirmed Mr. Melaye’s
information that Mr. Gbajabiamila had resumed in breach of of law.
“The nominee for the office of the
Director-General of National Lottery Regulatory Commission actually assumed
office,” said Mr. Lawan. “I think he was misadvised and, therefore, assumed
office without being confirmed.
“But there is a genuine appeal that such thing
will not happen again. I have advised that the nominee should not be seen
around the office.”
Responding, Mr. Saraki commended the Senate
Leader for prompt action and ruled Mr. Gbajabiamila must not be seen in office
again until his appointment is confirmed by the Senate.
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