Lagos Lawmakers Step Down Adelabu’s Affirmation as LASPA GM: Key Details and Analysis

Introduction

The Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a decisive legislative action regarding the leadership of the Lagos Parking Authority (LASPA). In a move that underscores the importance of procedural compliance, lawmakers have stepped down the affirmation of Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu as the General Manager of LASPA. This decision follows a plenary session held on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, where legislative scrutiny revealed significant procedural irregularities regarding her tenure.

While the affirmation of Mrs. Adelabu was declined, the Assembly proceeded to verify and confirm other nominees for various key positions within the state’s administrative framework. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the events, the legal implications of the lawmakers’ decision, and the list of confirmed nominees.

Key Points

Background

The Lagos Parking Authority (LASPA) is a critical agency under the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, responsible for the regulation and management of parking facilities across the state. The position of General Manager is a high-ranking administrative role that requires strict adherence to the Lagos State Public Service Commission rules and legislative oversight.

Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu has been occupying the office of General Manager of LASPA since 2021. However, the recent plenary session highlighted a gap in her administrative process: she had not been subjected to the mandatory screening and confirmation process by the State House of Assembly, a constitutional requirement for such executive appointments. This oversight became the focal point of the legislative debate on Thursday.

Analysis

The Procedural Breach

The core of the lawmakers’ decision to step down Mrs. Adelabu’s affirmation lies in the concept of legislative oversight. In the Nigerian federal system, executive appointments—particularly for heads of agencies—must be screened and confirmed by the legislature to ensure checks and balances.

By occupying the office of General Manager since 2021 without this confirmation, Mrs. Adelabu’s tenure was deemed “unconstitutional” by the House. The lawmakers argued that her extended stay in office without legislative approval constitutes a “clear violation of legislative authority.” This sets a precedent that the Lagos State House of Assembly is prepared to enforce constitutional compliance over administrative convenience.

Implications for the Lagos State Public Service

This decision sends a strong signal to the Lagos State Executive Council and the civil service regarding the sanctity of due process. It emphasizes that:

1. Legitimacy is tied to Procedure: Administrative competence does not override constitutional requirements for screening and confirmation.
2. Retroactive Compliance is Insufficient: The House is unwilling to retroactively validate a tenure that began without the necessary legislative gatekeeping.
3. Accountability: The rejection serves as a mechanism to hold appointees accountable to the rule of law from the onset of their tenure.

Contrast with Confirmed Nominees

The plenary session also demonstrated the Assembly’s ability to function efficiently when due process is followed. The lawmakers successfully screened and confirmed a slate of nominees for other critical roles, including the Lagos State Security Trust Fund and the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission. This contrast highlights that the rejection of Adelabu was specific to procedural non-compliance rather than a blanket freeze on appointments.

Practical Advice

For stakeholders, public servants, and nominees in the Lagos State public sector, the following practical steps are recommended to avoid similar procedural pitfalls:

1. Immediate Documentation and Screening

Acting appointments or interim postings must be regularized immediately. Nominees should ensure that their names are submitted for legislative screening as soon as they assume office, not years later.

2. Understanding Legislative Protocols

Agencies and the executive arm must maintain a close working relationship with the House Committee overseeing their sector. Ignorance of the screening schedule is not a defense against constitutional breaches.

3. Legal Compliance Audits

Organizations and government agencies should conduct periodic compliance audits to ensure that all senior staff members possess the requisite legislative confirmations. This protects the agency from administrative reversals.

4. Transparency in Transitions

During leadership transitions, clear handover notes and succession plans should include a timeline for legislative confirmation to prevent gaps in compliance.

FAQ

Conclusion

The decision by the Lagos State House of Assembly to step down the affirmation of Mrs. Adebisi Adelabu as LASPA General Manager highlights the critical nature of constitutional compliance in public office. While the rejection stems from procedural irregularities dating back to 2021, the confirmation of other nominees demonstrates the Assembly’s commitment to due process when followed correctly. This event serves as a reminder to public officials that legislative oversight is a mandatory component of governance, not an optional formality.