The Lagos State House of Assembly has issued a stern warning to its recently impeached Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, cautioning him against any actions that could destabilize the legislative arm and disrupt the political landscape of the state. Following Obasa’s return from the United States, he addressed his supporters, claiming his removal as Speaker did not adhere to due process. This assertion sparked a swift and decisive response from the Assembly, which reiterated its unwavering support for the newly elected Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, and reaffirmed the validity of Obasa’s impeachment on January 13th.
The Assembly’s statement underscores the overwhelming support Meranda enjoys within the legislative body, emphasizing that over two-thirds of the members stand united behind her leadership. This serves as a powerful counterpoint to Obasa’s claims of procedural irregularities and further solidifies Meranda’s position as the legitimate Speaker. The statement categorically rejects Obasa’s narrative, asserting their firm resolve to uphold their decision and defend it against any challenge. This sets the stage for a potential power struggle within the Assembly and raises questions about the future of legislative proceedings in Lagos State.
The lawmakers underscore their commitment to principles of good governance and maintaining a harmonious working relationship with the other branches of government – the executive and the judiciary. They emphasize that the decision to impeach Obasa falls squarely within their constitutional rights as elected representatives of the people. Each member, they argue, holds the inalienable right to remove principal officers, including the Speaker, according to established statutory procedures. This assertion directly challenges Obasa’s claim of procedural impropriety, positioning the Assembly’s actions within the framework of constitutional authority and democratic principles.
The Assembly’s statement further criticizes Obasa’s recent public pronouncements, labeling them as “uncalled for and unparliamentary.” This characterization highlights the Assembly’s disapproval of Obasa’s conduct and his attempts to undermine the legitimacy of the impeachment process. The statement urges Obasa to prioritize peace and stability within the state, implicitly suggesting that his actions pose a threat to the harmonious political environment. This appeal serves as a direct call for Obasa to cease his disruptive behavior and accept the outcome of the impeachment process.
The statement also contains a thinly veiled warning, indicating that any attempts to incite political unrest will be met with resistance from the overwhelming majority of members who elected Meranda. This demonstrates the Assembly’s resolve to maintain order and stability and signals their readiness to counter any actions by Obasa or his supporters that could escalate tensions within the state. This firm stance further isolates Obasa and reinforces the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and democratic processes.
In conclusion, the Lagos State House of Assembly has issued a strong and unequivocal response to Obasa’s claims, emphasizing the legitimacy of his impeachment and the unwavering support for the new Speaker. They highlight the constitutional basis for their actions and criticize Obasa’s conduct as disruptive and unparliamentary. The Assembly’s commitment to good governance and maintaining a peaceful political environment is paramount, and they warn against any actions that could threaten the stability of the state. This statement sets the stage for a potential ongoing political conflict, as Obasa and his supporters may continue to challenge the legitimacy of the impeachment. The Assembly, however, has made its position clear: they stand united behind their decision and are prepared to defend it against any challenge. The future of the Lagos State House of Assembly remains uncertain, but this statement marks a significant development in the ongoing power struggle.
