IBRAHIM QUADRI
Thirty-two members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday impeached the embattled State Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon Lasbat Meranda has been elected to replace Obasa while the Chief Whip, Hon Mojeed Fatai was elected as the Deputy Speaker.
The motion to remove Obasa was moved Under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Hon. Femi Saheed.
Saheed stated that in line with the provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accused Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings; highhandedness and lack of regard for members.
Saheed also revealed that the former Speaker was also accused of gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting members against one another amongst others.
He mentioned that Obasa also practised an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties. He therefore moved the motion for impeachment.
Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was made by the 32 members through a voice vote.
Obasa, who is a six-term lawmaker was elected Speaker in 2015 and got re-elected in 2019 and 2023.
The impeachment came amidst an alleged clandestine campaign by Obasa to be the next Governor of Lagos State in 2027 under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obasa’s removal came a few days after online media reported that he ordered the withdrawals of a staggering N43 billion for the purchase of back up vehicles for the lawmakers.
The ex-Speaker who is currently outside the country was impeached and also the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko was suspended.
Onafeko has been replaced by Mr. Abubakar Taiwo Ottun as the Acting Clerk of the House.
Daily Champion learnt that Obsaa had been engulfed in a series of controversial circumstances in terms of financial dealings.
The House which consists of 40 members has the new Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Nee Ojora from Apapa State Constituency I.
She was sworn-in immediately to lead the House. Meranda is also a former Chief Whip of the parliament.
Meranda’s emergence would be the first time the House of Assembly would have a female lawmaker to lead the parliament in the State.
Daily Champion gathered that the staff of the Assembly were excited to see the positive and new atmosphere within the complex following the news that Obasa has been impeached.
Many of the staff complained about the highhandedness of Obasa in dealing with the Assembly workers including their welfare.
Speaking shortly after the impeachment, one of the longest serving members, Hon Abiodun Tobun from Epe Constituency I, stated, “As we have just exchanged change of baton, it is only death that is constant, change is inevitable. Today, the members of parliament have decided to change the leadership of the House.
“The constitution makes it clear that the House has the power to regulate its proceedings, so members of the House have had enough of Right Honourable Mudashiru Obasa.
“And today we have unanimously agreed that Right Honourable Lasbat Meranda become the new Speaker of the House. It was a resolution concurred to, by all members of the parliament and so be it. Hon Fatai Mojeed has been elected as the Deputy Speaker of the House.
“And as we speak, all the principal positions have been dissolved and the standing committees have been dissolved. So the House has resolved to work together and ensure that we move the parliament to the next level.
“We can’t allow the parliament to dwindle. We owe the constituents the duty and Lagos State a duty. The sanctity of the House and integrity of the House is restored and that is why we have all unanimously agreed to carry out this action to save our image and save the State,” Tobun concluded.
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