Ex-Speaker turns down Fayose's appointment

An ex-factional Speaker in Ekiti State, Dele Olugbemi has turned down Governor Ayodele Fayose's appointment as a member of the House of Assembly Service Commission.

Those whose nominations were confirmed were a former Speaker, Olatunji Odeyemi (Chairman), Bode Ajewole, Mrs. Lanre Fajuyi and Muyiwa Fadahunsi.

The motion for the amendment of the House of Assembly Service Commission Law 2003 was moved by Leader of Government Business, Olatunji Akinyele “to accommodate nominees from the three senatorial districts.”

This is the fourth time the Ekiti State House of Assembly Service Commission Law would be amended.

The House said the amendment is to ensure fairness to all the districts and to ensure equitable distribution of positions.

Speaking on Olugbemi's rejection of the appointment, the state Assembly Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, said accepting such offer is not by force.

He said, “If you offer somebody appointment and he says no, there will be a replacement because there are so many people yearning for this opportunity.

“People who are very intelligent and qualified are looking for this opportunity and government will ensure that another replacement is made.

“We stepped it down (on Tuesday) because we wanted to ensure that there is a balance in representation on the commission.

“It had to be stepped down to do some necessary adjustment to ensure equity and fair play because every segment of Ekiti State is made to feel a sense of belonging. It is a development we have to address and it has nothing to do with the fact that somebody declined the offer. If I am giving you an offer and you say no, you cannot be compelled to serve in a particular agency or commission, it is a matter of choice.”

It was gathered that Olugbemi did not answer calls placed to his telephone on Wednesday, and also ignored text messages sent to his line.

The former Speaker was among the six All Progressives Congress lawmakers that defected to the PDP after October 16 inauguration of Fayose.