…As Legislative Staff Vacate Offices
At about 12 noon on Friday, February 28, ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa once again stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, accompanied by a group of touts who forcefully took possession of the premises.
This development came as the substantive Speaker, Princess Mojisola Meranda, alongside 34 lawmakers, appeared before the Lagos High Court in defense of the suit filed against them by Obasa.
Meranda Condemns Invasion, Calls for Due Process
Reacting to the invasion, Speaker Mojisola Meranda described the act as a “total show of shame” that must be condemned.
“This is actually just the beginning, and as you saw in court, both parties had their representatives. We should allow the legal process to run its course,” she said while speaking to journalists.
Despite the political tension, Meranda reassured that the House remains intact and united, vowing to uphold due process and legislative order.
She acknowledged that Obasa remains a member of the House and has the right to attend plenary sessions. However, she expressed concerns over the manner of his entry.
“The invasion and breaking into my office—that is really a serious issue,” she emphasized.
Meranda also raised concerns over the drastic reduction in her security detail, stating that she normally has twelve policemen, four DSS officers, and two anti-riot officers in her convoy.
“As of Friday morning, I am left with only three or four policemen,” she revealed.
Obasa’s ‘Plenary Session’ Was a Theatrical Display – Meranda
Responding to reports that Obasa held a plenary session and adjourned sitting with just three lawmakers, Meranda dismissed the action as political theatrics.
“That was just a show of shame. In our job, we have a required number to form a quorum. If you are sitting with just three or four members, you are only putting on a theatrical display,” she said.
She further stated that the House might not sit for now and assured that an official announcement would be made when the Assembly reconvenes.
Court Will Expose the ‘Imposter’ – Ogundipe
Speaking on the legal battle, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr. Stephen Ogundipe, accused certain individuals of staging unnecessary drama.
“Our counsel was very clear in court. The person causing the drama was just an imposter, and I am sure the court will follow due process. By the next hearing, the imposter’s true identity will be exposed,” Ogundipe stated.
He described the recent events as “a show of shame” and criticized contradictory statements made by those challenging the Assembly’s proceedings.
“Imagine, they are now openly claiming that there was no court procedure, yet we were in court today. The same person who initiated the case is now saying there’s no court process. You also saw the drama his lawyers created in court today.
It’s unfortunate, but when we get to the bridge, we will cross it,” he added.
Lagos Assembly Remains Law-Abiding – Lawmakers Reassure Public
Ogundipe reassured Lagosians that the Assembly remains committed to upholding the law and serving the people.
“We want to assure the public that we are law-abiding and are doing everything within our power to ensure that this situation does not escalate further,” he said.
Following the court proceedings, lawmakers proceeded to the Assembly complex to inspect the premises.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Fatai Mojeed assured that everything was in order, adding that while Obasa had been present the previous day, the House remained under the control of its legitimate members.
Obasa Besieges Assembly Complex Again
In a related development, impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa returned for the second time to the Assembly complex, this time with a large number of touts strategically positioned around the premises.
Eyewitnesses reported that the group occupied both the interior and exterior of the Assembly complex, creating a tense atmosphere.
It was also observed that legislative staff were noticeably absent from the premises.
(Vanguard)
