The Lagos State House of Assembly has reaffirmed its support for the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, and defended the impeachment process as constitutional and legitimate.
The former speaker Hon Mudashiru Obasa was removed as Speaker after a majority of the House accused him of misconduct and financial mismanagement. Following his impeachment, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker.
Obasa criticized the process used to impeach him and denying allegations of corruption leveled against him.
Obasa, impeached on January 13 following allegations of misconduct and financial misappropriation, emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional procedures when removing a speaker from office.
The Assembly statement, signed by Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode on behalf of the Assembly, reiterated the lawmakers’ unity behind the new Speaker and described Obasa’s position as “uncalled for and unparliamentary.”
“It is imperative to clarify that over two-thirds of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are solidly united behind the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. We stand by the decision taken on January 13, where Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa was impeached, and we shall defend our position to the letter,” the statement read.
The Assembly asserted that all members have the constitutional right to elect and remove their principal officers, including the Speaker, and called on Obasa to embrace peace for the sake of harmony in Lagos State.
“I, therefore, appeal to the former Speaker to toe the line of peace and harmony, as being followed by others. The current intransigent posture will heat up the polity and not augur well,” Hon. Ogundipe stated.
The Assembly’s statement emphasized that the decision was in line with statutory procedures and was made in the interest of good governance and a harmonious relationship with other arms of government.
The House concluded by affirming its commitment to peace and stability in Lagos State, warning against any actions that could disrupt the political atmosphere.
