Tag: Lagos State politics

Key Highlights: Lagos State Assembly Drama: Obasa Returns, Meranda Steps Down After weeks of internal political turmoil, the Lagos State House of Assembly has reinstated its former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda. The crisis, which had divided the lawmakers, was eventually settled through interventions by the All Progressives Congress (APC) at both state and national levels. Political Maneuvering Behind the Resolution Obasa’s return was not without resistance. After being removed from office by 33 out of 39 lawmakers on January 13, 2025, and replaced by Meranda, tensions escalated, prompting intervention from key political figures, including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. A series of closed-door meetings resulted in a compromise that saw Meranda stepping down to restore stability within the Assembly. An inside source affirmed that Obasa will not resign again, stating, “He is back for good.” Meranda, on the other hand, expressed her stance by saying, “I am not a quitter.” Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Role in the Resolution Governor Sanwo-Olu reportedly held multiple mediation meetings with APC leadership and Assembly members to de-escalate the crisis. Some lawmakers were initially unwilling to reinstate Obasa but later yielded to party directives after prolonged negotiations. According to reports, the majority of anti-Obasa lawmakers stood firm, believing they were being sidelined in the decision-making process. However, they eventually reconsidered after appeals from APC leaders and party elders like Tajudeen Olusi, the chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC). Security Tightened as Lawmakers Reconvened Amid rising tensions, security was heightened around the Lagos State House of Assembly complex. Journalists were barred from entry, and police barricades were set up on Mobolaji Johnson Avenue and the Assembly’s main entrance to prevent unauthorized access. Meranda’s Resignation: A Personal Sacrifice In her valedictory speech, Meranda stated that she stepped down to protect the democracy of the Assembly. She emphasized that her decision was a personal sacrifice for the greater good of Lagos State governance. “Our mandate is to protect the people of Lagos State. I have taken a bold step to step down to ensure peace and stability,” she said. Despite stepping down, Meranda remains committed to serving her Apapa Constituency 1 and the state at large. Obasa Sworn In Again as Speaker Following Meranda’s resignation, Obasa took the oath of office once again and pledged to work in harmony with his colleagues for the development of Lagos State. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the GAC, and APC chieftains for resolving the crisis. Mixed Reactions to Obasa’s Return While the APC chairman Cornelius Ojelabi described Obasa’s reinstatement as a “victory for democracy”, some opposition groups criticized the development. The De Renaissance Patriots, a Lagos-based socio-political organization, termed it a “show of shame” and accused APC leaders of political manipulation. “This is a clear case of power play at the expense of democratic values,” the group said in a statement. What This Means for Lagos Politics The resolution of this crisis underscores the power dynamics within the Lagos State political structure. It also highlights the influence of APC’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms in maintaining party dominance in the state. De Renaissance Patriots Foundation Reacts According to the foundation, the Lagos Assembly has become an “amusement park” that will be remembered as a “monument of shame.” The statement further declared: “Waterloo awaits the occupants. History will repeat itself. What happened today is a reflection of what has been sown, and no matter how they manipulate events, the river must flow into the ocean.” The group also accused both the governor and lawmakers of failing to break free from political control, describing the reinstatement as a “missed opportunity.” CUPP Labels Lagos Drama a Political Distraction Meanwhile, the Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has dismissed the ongoing speakership crisis as a calculated distraction from governance failures. Speaking to Vanguard, CUPP’s National Secretary, Peter Ameh, argued that the controversy was a ploy to divert public attention. “The recent drama in the Lagos Assembly appears to be a deliberate attempt to shift focus from the government’s shortcomings,” Ameh stated. He questioned whether the actions of Obasa or Meranda could genuinely challenge President Bola Tinubu’s long-standing influence over Lagos politics, noting that Tinubu’s political dominance faced a rare disruption in 2023 when Peter Obi won Lagos State in the presidential election. Political Manipulation or Genuine Crisis? Ameh expressed skepticism over the police’s involvement in the Assembly crisis, suggesting that the situation might be “scripted to manipulate public perception.” “It is possible that this entire episode is orchestrated to deceive the public, drain opposition energy, and shift focus away from governance failures,” he added. Drawing parallels with past incidents, Ameh pointed to the sudden settlement of sacked Lagos Water Corporation staff as another possible diversionary tactic designed to mask the privatization of water services in the state. “The Lagos Assembly drama appears to be a carefully planned distraction, ensuring that the people remain engaged in political theatrics while more pressing governance issues go unnoticed.” Final Thoughts As the political turmoil in Lagos continues, critics argue that the unfolding drama must be closely scrutinized to prevent the people’s interests from being sacrificed for political maneuvering. With questions surrounding the credibility of the crisis, many are calling for transparency and accountability in the state’s governance. This structured approach ensures maximum visibility and engagement while maintaining a compelling narrative. For more insights into Lagos State governance and political affairs, visit Vanguard Nigeria and The Nation Online. 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By Emmanuel

March 4, 2025March 4, 2025