LSHA Crisis: APC Chieftain Urges Sanwo-Olu to Intervene as Tinubu Faces National Challenges
The ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) has taken a new dimension as a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Babatunde Bank-Anthony, has urged Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to step in and address the situation.
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Bank-Anthony made his remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Tuesday, emphasizing the governor’s responsibility to intervene in the matter. He stated that, as the state’s chief executive, Sanwo-Olu cannot afford to remain silent on an issue that directly affects governance in Lagos.
“I expect the governor to say something about this. He is the number one man in Lagos State. He cannot ignore what happened yesterday because that is the parliament that he reports to, the body that makes the laws for the state he governs,” Bank-Anthony said.
Escalation of the Crisis
The crisis, which began with the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa over allegations of financial misconduct, intensified on Monday when security operatives, including police officers and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, stormed the Assembly complex. The lawmakers were initially denied access to the chambers but later gained entry, with newly elected Speaker Mojisola Meranda presiding over the plenary session in Alausa, Lagos.
The development has sparked debates over the role of President Bola Tinubu, given his political influence in Lagos. However, Bank-Anthony cautioned against expecting Tinubu to intervene, arguing that the president has more pressing national concerns.
“After 26 years of democracy in Lagos, should we still be running to the president for local political disputes? Tinubu has bigger issues to deal with. Let’s leave him alone and let the appropriate quarters handle this matter,” he stated.
Calls for Political Maturity
Observers have questioned the maturity of Lagos’ political landscape, as the crisis exposes deeper rifts within the ruling APC. The removal of Obasa, who has served in the House since 2007 and as Speaker since 2015, marks a significant shift in the Assembly’s power dynamics. However, Obasa has rejected his removal and taken legal action to challenge the decision, a move that Bank-Anthony has criticized.
“If Obasa cannot return to the House as a member, he should resign after 20 years in the Assembly. Let him give someone else a chance,” he argued.
Obasa’s prolonged tenure has fueled discussions on political longevity and leadership renewal in Lagos politics. While some argue that experienced politicians bring stability, others believe prolonged dominance by a few individuals stifles fresh perspectives and governance innovation.
The Governor’s Role and the Way Forward
With the leadership tussle threatening legislative stability, stakeholders have called for Governor Sanwo-Olu to take a more proactive stance. The governor, who has largely remained silent on the issue, is expected to play a mediatory role to prevent further legislative paralysis.
Political analysts warn that failure to resolve the impasse could impact governance in Lagos, especially with the state’s Assembly playing a crucial role in lawmaking and oversight.
As the crisis unfolds, all eyes remain on Sanwo-Olu and the APC leadership to navigate the conflict without compromising democratic principles and institutional integrity in Lagos State.
Reference
LSHA Crisis: APC Chieftain Urges Sanwo-Olu to Intervene as Tinubu Faces National Challenges