When during the recess of the legislature there shall be in either of the offices to be appointed by the governor alone or by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, or of both branches of the legislature, or by the legislature without the concurrence of the governor no officer duly authorized to execute the duties thereof, some suitable person may be selected and appointed by the governor to perform the duties of either of said officers for the time being, and when during the recess of the legislature the term of office of any officer appointed by the governor alone, or by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate or of both branches of the legislature, or by the legislature, without the concurrence of the governor shall expire, the governor shall have power to appoint some suitable person to such office, and such person shall hold such office unless sooner removed by competent authority, until the close of the next session of the legislature or until his successor is appointed, or elected and qualified.
MCL 201.14