● Tinubu’s ‘directive’ reinstating Obasa fake news, lawmaker affirms
● Governor’s Advisory Council may take final position today
● Group urges lawmakers, Obasa to reconcile for state unity
● Residents urge legislators to improve delivery of democracy dividends
The Guardian learnt that the two All Progressives Congress (APC) factions involved have not backed down, with each trying to outmanoeuvre the other. Consequently, a media war has erupted, with both camps feeding information to their supporters and interested onlookers to show they are gaining the upper hand in the contest.
A media report had flown around that President Bola Tinubu mounted pressure on Lagos State House of Assembly members to allow the return of Obasa as Speaker.
Tinubu was said to have told the lawmakers to let Obasa return because the political price for his removal could potentially outweigh the benefits of punishing his excesses, which bordered mainly on corruption and abuse of office.
“The President has sent instruction that we should start preparing to let him come back,” a senior Lagos politician who participated in a series of meetings over the weekend reportedly told an online media.
The Meranda camp, however, issued a statement describing it as fake news aimed at distracting the new Speaker.
A lawmaker, who preferred anonymity, said, “In the last three weeks since the removal of the estranged former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, by about 37 members of the Assembly, citing significant shortcomings in his leadership style, including misconduct, misappropriation of funds, breach of public trust, and misuse of power, there have been numerous desperate attempts by the ousted Speaker to return to power.
“The House of Assembly has been in the news since January 13, when Mudashiru Obasa was removed as Speaker and replaced by the current Speaker, Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. The latest development, as reported, is that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has directed that the embattled former Speaker be reinstated.
“This is nothing but fake news based on the fact that she has met with the President, Mr Governor, the GAC and past members from the 1st Assembly to the 9th Assembly, among many others. There have also been numerous courtesy calls and endorsements on the election of Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly since the week of her election, further giving credence and authenticity to the legitimacy of her election.
“The circulation of the fake news has piqued the interest of many political observers, enthusiasts and citizens as they keep asking in one voice: ‘Is Obasa so important that he is being protected from above or are these just media stunts of a sore loser?’”
However, findings by The Guardian have revealed that, contrary to claims attributing a directive to President Tinubu for Obasa’s reinstatement as Speaker, the President only stated that he had not approved Obasa’s removal when the matter was informally discussed with him by a close ally. This position, The Guardian learnt, is being presented by the Obasa camp as an endorsement by Tinubu for the ousted Speaker’s return.
According to a source, Obasa has been unable to meet with Tinubu since December despite having the support of a prominent political figure within the presidency’s bureaucracy. This is because Tinubu wants the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) to reach a united stance before engaging with him .
Meanwhile, The Guardian learned yesterday that President Bola Tinubu has not met with the GAC members, whose meeting at the State House, Marina, ended in a deadlock. The members are reportedly attempting to resolve the issue among themselves, as elders of the party in the state, before presenting it to Tinubu as the final arbiter. They are expected to meet again today to take a final position.
Similarly, when The Guardian spoke with one of the apex leaders in the Lagos West Senatorial District, he declined to comment. When pressed further, he said GAC members, as elders, should neither take sides nor comment to the media but focus on resolving the problem amicably within the party.
He added that public commentary could harm ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis as discussions are underway to find a lasting solution. He expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved but did not clarify whether this resolution would involve reinstating Obasa as Speaker.
The leader also refrained from commenting on the replacement of Obasa, a candidate from Agege in the Lagos West Senatorial District, with Mojisola Meranda, a candidate from Apapa in the Lagos Central Senatorial District, which is also the district of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
This came as a Christian socio-political group, the Nehemiah Movement, called on members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Obasa to prioritise unity and the welfare of the state’s citizens.
In a statement, the group’s Coordinator, Dr Olusanya Awosan, appealed for calm and urged the Assembly to swiftly restore harmony within its ranks.
The group acknowledged the allegations against Obasa and recognised the House’s decision to remove him by a majority vote. “We believe in the principles of accountability, transparency, and servant leadership, and we urge all parties involved to uphold the highest ethical standards,” the statement read.
Addressing Obasa, the group noted that while the removal might seem like a setback, it encouraged him to accept the decision in good faith. “This may not be the end of the road but rather a redirection towards new opportunities to serve the people of Lagos State,” it said.
The group also urged other lawmakers to embody the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation, citing the example of Jesus Christ. “Let this experience be an opportunity to rebuild trust and unity within the Assembly. Extend love to the former Speaker, who remains one of you,” it added.
The Nehemiah Movement further pledged its support to the Assembly in facilitating a peaceful resolution and ensuring a swift return to its legislative duties for the benefit of Lagosians.
Also, Lagos residents have called on their representatives at the state and national assemblies to enhance the delivery of democracy dividends to their constituents in 2025.
The appeal was made in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, as residents across various constituencies reflected on the impact of state and federal lawmakers over the past two years.
Some political stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of many legislators, noting a perceived failure to justify the trust placed in them by their constituents.
Dr Abdul-Jelil Tafawa-Balewa, a politician and former presidential aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), voiced disappointment with the output of many lawmakers. He criticised their inability to meet expectations despite substantial funds allocated yearly for legislative activities and constituency projects.
Similarly, Dr Ahmed Lawal, a resident of Alimosho Federal Constituency, lamented the lack of tangible benefits from his representatives. He emphasised the need for lawmakers to prioritise good legislation, empowerment programmes, and effective oversight.
“I personally have not benefited in any way. I believe lawmakers can collaborate with the executive to address our needs, particularly in areas such as primary healthcare and public infrastructure,” said Lawal, a medical practitioner. He also highlighted the poor condition of government primary schools and urged legislative intervention.
“The people of Lagos expect better representation from both state and federal lawmakers. They should initiate more bills that will improve society,” Lawal added.
In response, the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, assured residents of the Assembly’s commitment to good representation.
He noted that the House, under its new Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda, is focused on prioritising constituents’ welfare.
“The current leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly will run an open-door policy. We are open to advice, constructive criticism, and suggestions on how to serve better,” Ogundipe said.
He urged residents to collaborate with lawmakers to ensure the success of legislative efforts in the state. However, he declined to comment on the overall performance of legislators over the past two years.
(Guardian)
