The Lagos State House of Assembly has addressed remarks made by the immediate past Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, regarding his impeachment, which he described as unconstitutional,Daily Trust reports.
According to Daily Trust, Obasa was removed on January 13 by members of the Assembly over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. His impeachment followed claims that he had spent N17 billion on a gate for the Assembly complex. During the plenary session, lawmakers unanimously voted to remove Obasa, who had served as Speaker since 2015.
Obasa, who was not present during the impeachment, returned to Lagos over the weekend and was received by supporters at his Joel Ogunnaike GRA residence in Ikeja. Speaking to reporters after addressing his loyalists, Obasa insisted he was still the legitimate Speaker.
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“My status in the House? I strongly believe I am still the Speaker until due process is followed. If I am to be removed, let it be done the proper way, and I will not contest it. I’m a Muslim, and I believe in fate, but let’s do things the right way,” Obasa stated.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday by Ogundipe Olukayode on behalf of the Assembly, the lawmakers reaffirmed that Obasa’s removal adhered to constitutional procedures, with over two-thirds of members supporting the decision.
The Assembly emphasized its commitment to good governance and maintaining a collaborative relationship with other arms of government. The statement highlighted that the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, enjoys the full backing of the majority.
“It is crucial to clarify that over two-thirds of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly are united behind the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda,” the statement read.
“We stand firmly by the decision to impeach Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and will defend this position to the fullest. As representatives of the people, our duty is to ensure good governance and harmonious collaboration with other arms of government.
“The former Speaker’s current stance is unnecessary and unbecoming of a parliamentarian. The House made a majority decision to remove Rt. Hon. Obasa and install Rt. Hon. Meranda as Speaker, and nothing has changed.
“We urge the former Speaker to embrace peace and unity, as his current position risks destabilizing the polity. Any attempt to disrupt harmony will be firmly resisted by the majority of members who have endorsed the new Speaker,” the statement concluded.
