Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have reiterated that the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as speaker was lawful and in line with constitutional provisions.
Obasa was impeached on January 13 while he was out of the country, with the assembly accusing him of gross misconduct and abuse of office. Mojisola Meranda, Obasa’s deputy, was elected as the new speaker.
However, Obasa has claimed that the assembly removed him illegally, asserting that he is “still the speaker until the right thing has been done.”
The lawmakers referred to sections 92 and 96 of the 1999 Constitution to validate that the impeachment of the former Lagos speaker adhered to due process.
In a statement issued after their visit to the Lagos office of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Shangisha on Thursday, the lawmakers emphasized that their action was in the best interest of the state’s citizens. The lawmakers were at the DSS office regarding the detention of two of their colleagues, Lanre Afinni and Sylvester Ogunkelu, who had been invited for questioning concerning the state assembly.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly, as an independent arm of government, exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of the people of Lagos,” the statement read.
“Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution.”
The lawmakers also commended the DSS for its professionalism and smooth, respectful engagement. They confirmed that all detained lawmakers had been released.
The lawmakers reiterated their commitment to their legislative duties and called on all stakeholders, including the executive and the public, to respect the sanctity of legislative processes and avoid undue interference.
