No suit, action or other proceeding lawfully commenced by or against the head of any agency or other officer of the state, in his official capacity or in relation to the discharge of his duties, shall abate by reason of the taking effect of any reorganization plan under the provisions of the Executive Reorganization Act. The district courts may, on motion or supplemental petition filed at any time within twelve months after the reorganization plan takes effect, showing a necessity for a survival of the unit [suit], action or other proceeding to obtain a settlement of the questions involved, allow the same to be maintained by or against the successor of such head of agency or officer of the state under the reorganization effected by the plan or, if there is no successor, against such agency or officer as the governor shall designate.