Paragraph 1: The Impeachment and Obasa’s Defiance
Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, finds himself embroiled in a power struggle following his removal from the speakership. Despite the Assembly’s decision, Obasa maintains his claim to the position, arguing that proper procedures were not followed during his impeachment. This defiance has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the authority of the legislative body. Wale Mogaji, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and former chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Commission, has publicly warned Obasa that his continued insistence on being recognized as speaker could lead to further disciplinary action, including suspension from the House. This sets the stage for a potential escalation of the conflict between Obasa and the Assembly.
Paragraph 2: Mogaji’s Argument and Potential Consequences for Obasa
Mogaji’s warning underscores the severity of Obasa’s actions in challenging the Assembly’s decision. He emphasizes the distinction between an elected executive, like a governor, and a legislative leader like the speaker, arguing that Obasa’s removal as speaker doesn’t preclude his membership in the House unless further offenses are committed. However, Obasa’s public defiance of the Assembly’s authority constitutes a separate issue, potentially warranting sanctions such as indictment, suspension, or even a ban from attending sittings. This highlights the precarious position Obasa has placed himself in by contesting his impeachment.
Paragraph 3: Obasa’s Alleged History of Disregarding Due Process
Mogaji further criticizes Obasa’s claim of procedural impropriety during his impeachment by pointing to Obasa’s own alleged history of disregarding due process. He cites his own removal as chairman of the Assembly Commission, allegedly orchestrated by Obasa due to his perceived closeness to Obasa’s predecessor, Adeyemi Ikuforiji. Mogaji claims that despite a National Industrial Court order to maintain the status quo, Obasa refused to comply. This personal anecdote serves to undermine Obasa’s argument and portray him as hypocritical in his invocation of due process.
Paragraph 4: Further Allegations of Obasa’s Arbitrary Actions
Mogaji reinforces his accusations against Obasa by recalling an instance where principal officers of the House were allegedly removed without just cause, simply because Obasa suspected them of harboring ambitions to become speaker. This pattern of behavior, according to Mogaji, demonstrates Obasa’s tendency to act arbitrarily and disregard established procedures when it suits his interests. By highlighting these past actions, Mogaji attempts to discredit Obasa’s current claims and paint a picture of a leader who disregards rules and procedures.
Paragraph 5: A Call for Acceptance and a Lesson for the New Speaker
In light of these allegations, Mogaji advises Obasa to accept the Assembly’s decision and "lick his wounds." He suggests that Obasa should acknowledge the consequences of his actions and move on rather than further challenging the Assembly’s authority. Furthermore, Mogaji urges the new speaker to learn from Obasa’s alleged mistakes, emphasizing the importance of upholding due process and respecting the established rules and procedures of the House. This call for reflection and adherence to proper governance serves as a closing message.
Paragraph 6: The Broader Implications and Future of the Dispute
The ongoing dispute between Obasa and the Lagos State House of Assembly raises broader questions about the integrity of legislative processes and the importance of accountability among elected officials. Obasa’s defiance, coupled with the allegations of past misconduct, casts a shadow over the Assembly’s functioning and raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power. The outcome of this power struggle will likely have significant implications for the future of the Lagos State House of Assembly and could serve as a precedent for similar situations in other legislative bodies. The resolution of this conflict will be crucial in restoring public trust and ensuring the smooth functioning of the legislative process in Lagos State.
