Members of the Nigerian Senate have called for the suspension of consideration and confirmation of appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari over a comment credited to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, that executive appointments do not require legislative approval based on Section 171 of the Constitution.

Protests came from the lawmakers when a letter from Osinbajo asking the Senate to confirm the nomination of Lanre Gbajabiamila as Chairman of the National Lottery Commission, which was read by President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki at the plenary.

SP @bukolasaraki reads a letter from Ag.President @ProfOsinbajo .
Request of confirmation of appointment of Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila…

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 4, 2017

Senator Sani Ahmed cited order 14 as regards the letter of confirmation from Osinbajo, stating he earlier said the Senate doesn’t have the power to confirm, asking that the issue to be clarified by the Senate.

Senator Sekibo then asked the Senate to suspend the request till the issue of power of confirmation is cleared.

Senator @dino_melaye reads the Prayers

I) The Senate should suspend all issues relating to the confirmation of nominees.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 4, 2017

II) Acting President must respect the constitution and laws enacted by the National Assembly as relating to the confirmation of nominees.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 4, 2017

III) The Ag.President should respect the rejection of nominees by the Senate.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 4, 2017

from the executive on issue of confirmation as contained in constitution until the laws of the Federation is adhered to.

— The Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) July 4, 2017

While threatening that legislators might move against the leadership of the Senate if it failed to take a drastic action against the executive in 48 hours, the lawmakers asked that invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to any member be ignored.