Governor of Lagos State

Last updated

Governor of Lagos State
Lagos Flag.gif
Flag of Lagos State
Babajide Sanwaolu 2019 00 26 20 984000.jpeg
Incumbent
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
since 29 May 2019 (2019-05-29)
Executive Branch of the Lagos State Government
Style His Excellency
Type
Member of Lagos State Executive Council
Residence Lagos House
Seat Ikeja
Appointer Direct popular election or via succession from deputy governorship
Term length Four years
renewable once
Constituting instrument Constitution of Nigeria
Formation27 May 1967
(57 years ago) (1967-05-27)
First holder Mobolaji Johnson
Deputy Deputy Governor of Lagos State

The governor of Lagos State is the head of government of Lagos State in Nigeria. [1] The governor leads the executive branch of the Lagos State Government. This position places its holder in leadership of the state with command authority over the state affairs. The Governor is frequently described to be the number one citizen of the state. [2] [3] [4] Article II of the Constitution of Nigeria vests the executive power of the state in the governor and charges him with the execution of state law, alongside the responsibility of appointing state executive, diplomatic, regulatory, and judicial officers subject to the approval of the Assembly members. [5]

Contents

Powers and duties

Legislative role

The first power the Constitution confers upon the governor is the veto. [6] The Presentment Clause requires any bill passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly to be presented to the governor before it can become law. [7] Once the legislation has been presented, the governor has three options:

  1. Sign the legislation; the bill then becomes law.
  2. Veto the legislation and return it to the state house of assembly expressing any objections; the bill does not become law, unless the member of the house votes to override the veto by a two-thirds vote. [8]

Administrative powers

The Governor is made the sole repository of the executive powers of Lagos State, and the powers entrusted to him as well as the duties imposed upon him are awesome indeed. [9] The governor is the head of the executive branch of the state government and is constitutionally obligated to "take care that the laws be faithfully executed." The governor makes numerous executive branch appointments: commissioners and other state officers, are all appointed by the governor with subject to the approval of the state assembly. [10] The power of the governor to sack executive officials has long been a contentious political issue. Generally, the governor may remove purely executive officials at his discretion. However, the assembly can curtail and constrain a governor's authority to sack commissioners of independent regulatory agencies and certain inferior executive officers by statute. The governor additionally possesses the ability to direct much of the executive branch through executive orders that are grounded in Law of the Lagos State or constitutionally granted executive power. [11] [12]

Juridical powers

The governor also has the power to nominate the chief judge of the state. However, these nominations do require the house of assembly confirmation. [13] Securing house approval can provide a major obstacle for governors who wish to orient the state judiciary toward a particular ideological stance. [14] Governors may also grant pardons and reprieves, as is often done just before the end of a governorship term, not without controversy. [15]

Legislative facilitator

The Constitution's Ineligibility Clause prevents the governor (and all other executive officers) from simultaneously being a member of the state house of assembly. Therefore, the governor cannot directly introduce legislative proposals for consideration in the house. However, the governor can take an indirect role in shaping legislation, especially if the governor's political party has a majority in the house (house of representative). [16] For example, the governor or other officials of the executive branch may draft legislation and then ask representatives to introduce these drafts into the house. The governor can further influence the legislative branch through constitutionally mandated, periodic reports to the house. [11] [17] Additionally, the governor may attempt to have the house alter proposed legislation by threatening to veto that legislation if the changes he requests are not made. [18]

Selection process

Eligibility

The Governor is directly elected by the people through a registered political party to a four-year term, and is one of only two elected state officers, the other being the Deputy Governor. [19] Chapter six of the 1999 constitution Nigeria as amended sets the requirements to hold the office. [20] [21] A governor must:

Past and incumbent governors

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Governor of North Carolina</span> Head of state and government of the U.S. state of North Carolina

The governor of North Carolina is the head of government of the U.S. state of North Carolina. Seventy-five people have held the office since its inception in 1776. The governor serves a term of four years and chairs the collective body of the state's elected executive officials, the Council of State. The governor's powers and responsibilities are prescribed by the state constitution and by law. They serve as the North Carolina's chief executive and are tasked by the constitution with faithfully carrying out the laws of the state. They are ex officio commander in chief of the North Carolina National Guard and director of the state budget. The office has extensive powers of appointment of executive branch officials, some judges, and members of boards and commissions. Governors are also empowered to grant pardons and veto legislation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Carolina General Assembly</span> Legislative branch of the state government of North Carolina

The North Carolina General Assembly is the bicameral legislature of the state government of North Carolina. The legislature consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The General Assembly meets in the North Carolina State Legislative Building in Raleigh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Babatunde Fashola</span> Nigerian politician and lawyer (born 1963)

Babatunde Raji FasholaSAN ; born 28 June 1963) is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who served as the federal minister of Works and Housing of Nigeria from 2019 to 2023. He previously served as the minister of Power, Works and Housing from 2015 to 2019. He also served two terms as governor of Lagos State from 29 May 2007 to 29 May 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emeka Ihedioha</span> Nigerian politician (born 1965)

Chukwuemeka Ihedioha ; born 24 March 1965) is a Nigerian politician and businessman who served as governor of Imo State from 2019 to 2020. He was removed from office on 14 January 2020, by the Supreme Court of Nigeria which declared the APC candidate the authentic winner of the 2019 gubernatorial election. He was deputy speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria from 2011 to 2015.

The Governor of Rivers State is the Chief executive of the Rivers State government and is one of the governors of the thirty-six states of Nigeria. The Governor is supported by the Deputy Governor, both popularly elected for a term of four years. The Governor, as head of the executive branch, has the power to appoint commissioners responsible for each of the state's ministries, the heads of parastatals, judicial officers and the state-owned bodies with specific regulatory or administrative duties. They cannot be a member of the state House of Assembly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Femi Hamzat</span> Nigerian politician and engineer (born 1964)

Kadri Obafemi Hamzat ; born 19 September 1964) is a Nigerian politician who has served as deputy governor of Lagos State since 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yakub Abiodun Balogun</span> Nigerian politician

Yakub Abiodun Balogun is a Nigerian economist, public administrator, legislator in the House of Representatives of Nigeria, representing Lagos Island Federal Constituency II, Lagos State, South-West Nigeria and former Lagos State Head of Service.

The Lagos State Civil Service consists of employees in Lagos State government agencies other than the military. Most employees under the service are career civil servants in the Lagos state ministries, progressing based on qualifications and seniority. The civil service is headed by Head of Service, a senior member of the state civil service appointed by the state Governor. The head of service of Lagos state civil service is Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

The 7th Lagos State House of Assembly was the legislative branch of the Lagos State Government inaugurated on 4 June 2011. The assembly ran its course till 3 June 2015. The assembly is unicameral with 40 representatives elected from each constituencies of the state. The Speaker of the 7th Legislative Assembly was Rt. Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji and the Deputy speaker was Hon. Musibau Kolawole Taiwo. The election of representative for the 8th legislative assembly was held on 28 April 2015.

The 6th Lagos State House of Assembly is the legislative branch of the Lagos State Government inaugurated on June 4, 2007 and the assembly ran its course till July 4, 2011. The assembly was unicameral with 41 representatives elected from each constituencies of the state. The Speaker of the 6th Legislative Assembly was Rt. Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji and the Deputy speaker was Hon. Bola Badmus Olujobi.

Sabit Adeyemi Ikuforiji ; born 24 August 1958) is a Nigerian economist and politician who served as speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2005 to 2015.

Oluwafunmilayo Olajumoke "Funmilayo" Atilade, is a Nigerian Jurist and former Chief Judge of Lagos State. She was formerly a judge at the High Court of Lagos State.

Adeola Rahman Ipaye is a Nigerian lawyer who served as the deputy chief of staff to the president of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. He was also attorney general and commissioner for justice in Lagos State from 2011 to 2015.

The Attorney General of Lagos State also known as Lagos State Commissioner for Justice is the head of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. The officer's duty is to ensure that "the laws of the state are uniformly and adequately enforced". The Attorney General carries out the responsibilities of the office through the Ministry of Justice. The Attorney General is appointed to a four-years term, with a maximum of two terms, by the Governor subject to the approval of the State House of Assembly. The incumbent Attorney General is Moyosore Onigbanjo appointed on 22 August 2019.

The Lagos State Judiciary is one of the three co-equal branches of the Lagos State Government organized under the Constitution of Nigeria and laws of Lagos State. The Chief Judges are appointed by the State Governor with the consent of the House of Assembly.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State is the head of the Lagos State Judiciary, the judicial branch of the Lagos State Government and the chief judge of the High Court of Lagos State. From 1967 to 1973, the title was called Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The appointment is often made by the Governor. "Section 271(1) of the Constitution provides that ‘The appointment of a person to the office of the Chief Judge of a State shall be made by the Governor of the State on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, subject to the confirmation of the appointment by the House of Assembly of the State,’".

Lagos State Government is the government of Lagos State, concerned with the administration of the state ministries. The government consists of the executive, legislative and Judiciary. The government is headed by the Governor who is the policy-maker and often assisted by the commissioners and other civil servants of the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Governor of Kaduna State</span> Head of government of Kaduna State in Nigeria

The governor of Kaduna State is the head of government of Kaduna State in Nigeria. The governor is the head of the executive branch of the Kaduna State Government. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws and the power to either approve or veto bills passed by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, to convene the legislature and grant pardons.

The governor of Imo State is an elective political position, one of the governors of the thirty-six states of Nigeria. The governor of Imo State is the chief executive officer of Imo state and its executive branch with the assistance of the deputy governor. Fourteen people have served as governor since Imo State was created in 1976: eight military governors, two military administrators and seven democratic governors. The current governor is Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress, in office since 15 January 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tunji Bello</span> Nigerian lawyer and environmentalist

Olatunji Bello is a lawyer, environmentalist, political scientist, journalist and the sitting Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources under the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Administration in Lagos State. He is a Lagosian.

References

  1. ↑ "Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola". africa-confidential.com. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  2. ↑ "Again, CACOL Petitions EFCC to Investigate Lagos State Government, Articles - THISDAY LIVE". thisdaylive.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  3. ↑ "Lagos State Government orders Jonathan's campaign posters removed - DailyPost Nigeria". DailyPost Nigeria. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  4. ↑ "Lagos State Government Seizes September Salaries Of Doctors For The Second Month In A Row". Sahara Reporters. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  5. ↑ "LG election and governors' veto power". Newswatch Times. Archived from the original on 17 April 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  6. ↑ Nwabueze, Benjamin Obi (1982). A Constitutional History of Nigeria. ISBN   9780905838793 . Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  7. ↑ "Nigeria". google.co.uk. 1982. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  8. ↑ Coleman, James Smoot; Coleman, James Samuel (January 1958). Nigeria. ISBN   9780520020702 . Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  9. ↑ "Lagos cabinet-Fashola's list tears ACN apart". Vanguard News. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  10. ↑ "Lagos Cabinet: Fashola Submits 37 Names to Assembly , Articles - THISDAY LIVE". thisdaylive.com. Archived from the original on 16 April 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  11. 1 2 "Lagos Assembly Approves 499.105bn as 2013 Budget, Articles - THISDAY LIVE". thisdaylive.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  12. ↑ "Lagos SMS War: Fashola Sacks Commissioner". TheNigerianVoice. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  13. ↑ "Fashola Swears in Four Judges, Charges them to Better the Judiciary, Articles - THISDAY LIVE". thisdaylive.com. Archived from the original on 18 April 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  14. ↑ "Fashola approves appointment of six new judges for lagos high court". The premiumtimes. Retrieved 18 April 2015.
  15. ↑ "Pardons and commutations in Nigeria". World Coalition Against the Death Penalty. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  16. ↑ "Attorney-General of Lagos State V Attorney-General of the Federation". nigeria-law.org. Archived from the original on 19 July 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  17. ↑ "LAGOS GOVERNOR SIGNS 2010 BUDGET". TheNigerianVoice. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  18. ↑ Coleman, James S. "Nigeria". google.co.uk. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  19. ↑ "Lagos State Governor-elect Thanks Residents, Party For Victory - Channels Television". Channels Television. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  20. ↑ "Chapter Six of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria: The Executive". waado.org. Archived from the original on 22 April 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  21. ↑ Leadership Newspaper (12 April 2015). "APC's Ambode Wins Lagos State Governorship Election". Nigerian News from Leadership News. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.