The political crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new turn following the temporary withdrawal and subsequent reinstatement of the security detail attached to Speaker Mojisola Meranda. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has clarified that the withdrawal was merely an administrative audit and not a politically motivated act.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Commissioner Jimoh stated, “The security detail assigned to the Speaker was temporarily withdrawn as part of our standard auditing process to ensure efficiency and accountability within the command. This was not a punitive measure.”
However, the withdrawal coincided with heightened tensions within the Assembly, particularly over the contentious return of impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The development raised eyebrows, with many questioning whether it was a mere coincidence or a strategic move in the ongoing power struggle.
Earlier reports by SaharaReporters revealed that a fresh crisis had erupted after lawmakers vehemently rejected Obasa’s purported reinstatement, branding it a “charade” and an “embarrassment.”
Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, expressed their dissatisfaction, stating, “This is Lagos. This is the Lagos State House of Assembly. We were approached by our leaders to remain calm, but what we saw today is shocking.”
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Ogundipe further emphasized their grievances:
“We are still expecting them to come and tell us where we went wrong. We won’t take the law into our own hands, but our mandates must be respected. Whatever is happening, the leadership should engage us directly—not this charade we are witnessing.”
The lawmakers also decried the treatment meted out to them at the Assembly gate, describing it as a blatant show of disrespect.
“We are not happy. This is the Centre of Excellence, yet we are being treated with contempt. We have done nothing wrong. We demand respect as elected representatives of the people.”
Tensions escalated on Thursday when Mudashiru Obasa stormed the Assembly Complex under heavy security, accompanied by armed police officers and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS).
“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly,” Obasa declared, dismissing his impeachment as illegitimate.
The situation took a more dramatic turn as reports emerged that Obasa was not alone—he allegedly arrived with thugs and armed policemen, further fueling suspicions of a forceful takeover.
A source within Speaker Meranda’s camp confirmed the developments, stating:
“Yes, Obasa is presently at the complex with thugs and armed policemen. We are closely monitoring the situation, but all indications suggest he wants to illegally reinstate himself.”
Political Undercurrents: APC’s Role Under Scrutiny
The lawmakers have now called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene decisively, warning that the unfolding drama could further destabilize the state’s political landscape.
With the police justifying the withdrawal of Meranda’s security as a routine audit, many observers remain skeptical, questioning whether it was a subtle move to weaken her hold on power in favor of Obasa.
As the crisis deepens, all eyes are on the Lagos State Assembly and the APC leadership to see how this high-stakes political drama unfolds.
PIONEER NEWS 