The Nigerian Senate has said it will disregard all correspondences from the Presidency, especially those requesting for the confirmation of appointments into the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA). The Senators issued the threat after the Senate President, Bukola Saraki read a letter from the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo requesting the confirmation of Lanre Gbajabiamila as the Chairman of the National Lottery Commission.
The visibly angry senators said their decision was based on a recent statement credited to the Acting President wherein he was quoted as saying Executive appointment does not require legislative approval based on the provision of Section 171 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Reacting, Senator George Sekibo lamented the delay by the executive in implementing resolutions of the Senate stressing that the development was inimical to democratic ideals. He called on the Senate to suspend all issues relating to confirmation of appointees pending when the issue of power of confirmation is resolved.
On his part, Sen. Sani Ahmed who cited Order 14 expressed surprise at the request by the Acting President.
He explained that recently the Acting President stated that the Senate lacked the power to confirm and wondered why the letter was addressed to the Senate. He called on his colleagues to clarify the issue before it becomes a constitutional matter.
