Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday witnessed a significant shift in leadership, as the new Speaker of the House, Mojisola Meranda officially moved into the Speaker’s office amidst members’ support.
Meranda was accompanied by members of the assembly to the complex in a show of solidarity and support, a development following the impeachment of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on Jan. 13, even though he had, on Saturday, described his removal as unconstitutional and laid claim to the office.
However, in spite of his insistence on being the speaker, Obasa was conspicuously absent from the assembly on Monday, amidst tight security to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Meranda’s assumption of office witnessed a warm reception from her colleagues who had since accepted her leadership and rallied round her.
Members were seen following the speaker to her office, signaling a collective endorsement of the new leadership.
The absence of Obasa, who had promised to resume duties on Monday, has raised questions about his next step.
The atmosphere at the assembly complex on Monday reflected the lawmakers’ readiness to help pull through Meranda’s resolve to maintain stability and uphold legislative duties after the change of leadership.
Members were seen taking pictures with the speaker, while the acting Clerk equally joined in the celebrations.
Tight security at Lagos Assembly…
It was obeserved that security was unusually tight on Monday morning at the Lagos State House of Assembly ahead of the day’s plenary.
A large number of security operatives were sighted at strategic positions at the assembly complex very early in the day.
The security operatives included officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
A correspondent, who was at the assembly, reports that vehicular and commuter movements were restricted while there was a heavy stop and search at each entrance to the assembly to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
Visitors, journalists and staff members with no means of proper identification were not allowed to the assembly ahead of the plenary at 11.00 a.m.
The office of the acting Clerk had, on Sunday, advised staff members and legislators’ aides to come to the complex with a means of identification.
“Regarding management directives, all staff members and legislators’ aides must present valid identity cards to access the House premises. Please remember that entry will be denied to anyone without a valid identity card,” the short notice read.
The situation at the Assembly complex came in the aftermath of the removal of the former speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, who on Saturday in his first reaction, faulted the process and insisted that he remained the speaker.
Obasa, who had yet to attend plenary since his removal, spoke while addressing his supporters in Lagos.
He was removed by 32 of 40 lawmakers on Jan. 13 over alleged high-handedness, lateness to plenary and abuse of office and was immediately replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Meranda.