Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHA) have doubled down on the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as the speaker of the Lagos State Assembly and have portrayed the action as legally binding.
Obasa was impeached a few weeks back owing to accusations of debasement and other offences.
While the former speaker had asserted he is still in charge, even when someone else been elected into the position, the Lagos State Assembly said Obasa’s impeachment remains binding.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly, as an independent arm of government, has exercised its constitutional duty in the best interest of the people of Lagos,” a statement by Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode on behalf of the Lagos State Assembly read after the lawmakers honoured an invitation by the Lagos Command of the Department of State Services (DSS).
“The decision to remove the former Speaker was made through a democratic process, with the required majority as stipulated by law. Any attempt to challenge this lawful action undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution.”
They said Obasa’s impeachment was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act, which enable the State Assembly to regulate its internal procedures without external obstruction.
“Sections 92 and 96, outline the process for the election and removal of the Speaker, and due process was followed in our decision. It is also in public knowledge that legislative autonomy was granted to State Assemblies, ensuring that elected representatives can conduct their business freely within the chambers assigned to them,” the lawmakers said.
A few members of the Lagos Assembly had been apprehended by the DSS and were questioned over issues connected to the lawmaking body. This prompted a visit by more members of the Assembly on Thursday.
However, following their visit, the lawmakers said their colleagues invited for questioning have been released.
“All members of the Assembly earlier detained have now regained their freedom,” the lawmaker said, commending the professionalism of the DSS.
“We appreciate the Lagos DSS Command, especially the Director, for ensuring a smooth and respectful engagement,” the statement read.
Following Obasa’s impeachment, Hon. Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Since its commencement in 1979, the Lagos State House of Assembly has produced nine different assemblies.
The latest one was inaugurated in 2019. In any case, until Meranda’s election, no female has been elected as the speaker.
Hon. Mojeed Fatai was likewise elected as the deputy of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
