Drama in Lagos Assembly as members passed vote of confidence on Meranda

Drama in Lagos Assembly as members passed vote of confidence on Meranda

As the main reason why operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded the Lagos State House of Assembly is yet to be ascertained, the 36 lawmakers have passed a vote of confidence on the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

 Meranda, who also expressed shock about the action of the DSS was emotional and wept as members expressed their loyalty to her.

  However, DSS, yesterday released a letter purportedly written by the Acting Clerk of the House Mr. A. T. B. Ottun, inviting them to fortify security because of the alleged plan by Mudashiru Obasa to return to the House and cause a crisis.

  However, Obasa was not seen within the premises of the Assembly confirming concerns about what some analysts described as “political stunt to blackmail” the former Speaker.

  The letter, with reference number: LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, and entitled, URGENT: ENHANCED SECURITY MEASURES FOR LSHA PREMISES, was addressed to the Lagos State Director of the DSS.

  It reads: “I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action. The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, as the Speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

  “In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday 16th February, 2025 by increasing the presence of your Men and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.

  “We look forward to your prompt attention Sir. Thank you.”

   But the lawmakers who took turns to condemn the invasion of the House of Assembly by the security agents described their action as “national embarrassment.”

   Mr Kehinde Joseph, representing Alimosho constituency two, condemned the gestapo style of the invasion, which he described as “an embarrassment to democratic norms” and urged whoever aggrieved by the new leadership of the House to approach the court for redress.

  Adding to the drama, a lawmaker, Olayinka Kazeem was rushed to the hospital for medical attention after collapsing during the invasion of the hallowed chambers.

  Earlier, the acting Clerk of the House, Mr Ottun who did not confirm his purported letter to DSS read a letter from the State High Court informing the lawmakers of a pending lawsuit by the erstwhile Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.

  The lawmakers said they removed Obasa because they had had enough of his high-handedness, intimidation and servitude. The House then called on the DSS to explain the reason for its invasion of the state legislature, while also calling on the National Assembly to condemn the action.

  A political analyst who did not want his name in print said, “Lagosians will soon know the truth about the drama. It is simply a political gimmick to attract public sympathy against the return of Obasa.”