…As Lawmakers Display United Front
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, on Monday, consolidated her leadership by officially moving into the speaker’s office amidst members’ support.
Meranda was accompanied by 37 lawmakers to the complex in a show of solidarity and support. A prayer session was held on her behalf, as well as other members of the House for smooth leadership of the assembly and collaboration among the lawmakers.
Meranda’s movement into the office witnessed a warm reception from her colleagues who had since accepted her leadership and rallied around her. Members were seen following the speaker to her office, signalling a collective endorsement of the new leadership.
After moving into her official office, Meranda and other members gathered for group photographs in front of the Assembly complex. The photograph is to clear the air about speculations making the rounds that the House has now been divided since former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa broke his silence about his removal.
The development followed the removal from office of the former Speaker on January 13, even though he had, on Saturday, described his removal as unconstitutional and laid claim to the office.
However, despite his insistence on being the speaker, Obasa was conspicuously absent from the assembly on Monday, amidst tight security to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Security officials including policemen screened journalists and other individuals attempting to enter the Assembly. Our correspondent reports that up to three police vehicles are stationed at the Assembly’s main gate with other security vehicles sighted inside the complex.
Journalists were lined up at the second gate to the Assembly complex with security officials requesting their identity cards and barring other persons who could not identify themselves.
The unusual protocol is a move by the Assembly to beef up security following what appears to be a tussle over the House leadership between Obasa and Meranda.
Obasa on Saturday told journalists and supporters at Ikeja GRA that he was still the Speaker of the House until the lawmakers followed the “right process” to remove him.
The former speaker was removed by a majority of lawmakers on January 13, 2025, following allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriations. He was replaced by his deputy, Meranda.
Obasa denied the allegations on Saturday asking the lawmakers to prove their claims. “If you want to claim that I’m corrupt, please prove it, let us see it,” he told supporters who welcomed him at the Speaker’s Lodge.
