Obasa Claims Meranda Agreed to Resign as Lagos Speaker, But Lawmakers Express Confidence in Her Leadership
In the latest development of the ongoing political tension within the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, former Speaker of the Assembly, has made a contentious claim that Mojisola Meranda agreed to resign from her position as Speaker during a peace meeting. However, the claim has sparked further debate, as thirty-six lawmakers of the Assembly have issued a formal vote of confidence in Meranda’s leadership.
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Obasa, who was removed from office in January following accusations of financial fraud and other charges—charges he has vehemently denied—alleges that Meranda’s resignation was openly discussed at a peace meeting held in Marina. According to Obasa, the meeting, which was attended by key political figures and Assembly members, saw Meranda herself declare that she had stepped down from the position.
“There was a meeting that took place in Marina, where all party leaders and Assembly members were present. During that meeting, Meranda publicly stated that she had resigned,” Obasa claimed in a Thursday appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television program.
This statement was made in response to the recent withdrawal of Meranda’s security detail by the police, a move that Obasa argues was justified by her supposed resignation. “When you resign from an office, the paraphernalia of office is usually taken away,” Obasa, who represents the Agege 1 Constituency, said.
However, the police contradicted Obasa’s claim later in the day, announcing that Meranda’s security aides had been reinstated. The police cited an internal personnel audit as the reason for the initial withdrawal, which only deepened the confusion surrounding the matter.
Political Struggles and Alleged Resignation
Meranda’s appointment as Speaker in January marked a significant political shift, as she became the first female to hold the position in the Lagos State House of Assembly. Despite Obasa’s assertions, Meranda’s position remains firmly supported by many members of the Assembly. Thirty-six lawmakers recently passed a vote of confidence in her leadership, underscoring the growing divide between the two factions.
The vote of confidence stands in stark contrast to Obasa’s continued claims of a flawed removal process. Obasa’s return to the Assembly complex on Thursday, his first since his impeachment, further complicates the situation. Surrounded by security operatives and supporters, Obasa declared his intent to resume duties as Speaker, insisting that his impeachment was not valid and had not been conducted according to due process.
“I’ve never been removed,” Obasa stated during a press briefing at the Lagos House of Assembly. “Impeachment or removal is a democratic process, but it must follow due process. I am not against it, but it must be done the right way. If I accept it otherwise, then I am not democratic,” he added, suggesting that his removal was unjust.
A Divided Assembly
The ongoing feud between Obasa and Meranda has highlighted the deep divisions within the Lagos State House of Assembly and the political landscape of Lagos State. With Obasa seeking to reclaim his position, and Meranda maintaining substantial support from lawmakers, the future of the Assembly remains uncertain.
Meranda’s supporters argue that the legitimacy of her leadership is intact, especially given the formal vote of confidence she received. On the other hand, Obasa’s refusal to accept his removal and his claims of a personal agreement with Meranda to resign create a tense atmosphere, with both sides continuing to dig in their heels.
As the controversy persists, the people of Lagos State, and indeed the nation, will be watching closely to see whether this political struggle will reach a resolution or whether the ongoing power struggle will continue to disrupt the governance of Africa’s commercial hub.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as both factions continue to navigate the complex political terrain of the Lagos State Assembly.
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