Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have dismissed reports that President Bola Tinubu ordered them to reinstate former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
A viral online report on Sunday claimed Tinubu had pressured lawmakers to allow Obasa’s return, three weeks after his removal. The report suggested the president believed the political cost of Obasa’s removal was greater than the alleged offences of corruption and abuse of office.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The president has sent instruction that we should start preparing to let him come back,” a senior Lagos politician was quoted as saying in the report.
It further claimed that Tinubu assured lawmakers that Obasa would only serve for a short time before resigning on his own terms.
Lawmakers Say Obasa’s Return Is Impossible
Reacting to the report, some lawmakers dismissed the claims, saying Obasa’s return would not be easy, especially for those who played a role in his removal.
“We’re afraid that bringing him back will be like trying to pacify a snake after its head was severed,” a lawmaker said. “Its venom will be super deadly,” he added.
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Obasa was removed as Speaker on January 13, after 32 out of 40 lawmakers voted against him. He was accused of misconduct, misappropriation of funds, breach of public trust, and highhandedness. Following his removal, Princess Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was elected as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Meranda’s Election Remains Legitimate
A lawmaker who preferred to remain anonymous said Meranda’s election was legitimate and widely accepted by political leaders.
“This is nothing but fake news based on the fact that she has met with The President, Mr Governor, The GAC, and past members from the 1st Assembly to the 9th Assembly, among many others,” the lawmaker said.
He added that Meranda had received several endorsements and courtesy visits since her election, proving that she had the full support of stakeholders.
“The circulation of the fake news has piqued the interest of many political observers, enthusiasts, and citizens as they keep asking in one voice—Is Obasa so important that he is being protected from above, or are these just media stunts of a sore loser?” the lawmaker asked.
Speaker’s Aide Declines Comment
Meanwhile, an aide to Speaker Meranda declined to comment on the issue, saying the Speaker remained focused on her new role.
“The new Speaker is focused on the task ahead and will not be distracted by cheap talks and mere speculations to cause confusion over leadership change in the Assembly,” the aide said.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has remained in the news since Obasa’s removal, with several reports suggesting he has been trying to return to office. However, lawmakers insist there is no going back on his removal, and they remain committed to supporting Speaker Meranda’s leadership.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.