Ambode nominates ex-Lagos CJ as Electoral Commission chairman

The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has nominated the immediate past Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ayotunde Philips, as replacement for the retired Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Justice Fatai Adeyinka.
The Governor, in a letter addressed to the State House of Assembly, which was read on the floor of the House on Tuesday, said the decision to nominate Justice Philips was pursuant to the powers conferred on him by Section 2 (1) and (2) of the LASIEC Act, 2008.
According to the letter, which was read by the Clerk of the House, Ganiyu Abiru, Governor Ambode said the nomination of Justice Ayotunde was in tandem with the provision of the law which mandated that the House must ratify such appointment by way of screening and resolution.
The letter reads in part: “Accordingly, following the retirement of Justice A.F Adeyinka, the current LASIEC Chairman, Justice Ayotunde Philips (Rtd) is being presented as the Chairman of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
“While looking forward for the favourable confirmation of the honourable House of Assembly, please accept the assurance of my esteemed regard.”
After the letter was read, the House adjourned to May 9, 2016 for deliberation on the Governor’s letter.
The House, it would be recalled, had earlier confirmed Governor Ambode’s nominees for appointment as members of the Board of LASIEC.
They are Dr. Bunmi Omosehinde, Lateef Raji, Toyin Ibrahim-Famakinwa and Olusegun Ayedun.