Choice of Meranda as Lagos Speaker must be allowed to stay – CHSR

A group, Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR), has said the choice of Rt (Hon) Mojisola Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly by the lawmakers must be allowed to stay because the process of removing former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa followed the dictates of democratic principles.

It would be recalled that on January 13, 2025, over two-third majority of the Lagos State House of Assembly removed Hon Obasa as Speaker and replaced him with Rt (Hon) Mojisola Meranda immediately.

The group’s President, Com. Alex Omotehinse, said the House of Assembly must be allowed to exercise its freedom in conducting its legislative duties.

Addressing journalists on Thursday in his office at Ifako-Ijaye area, Omotehinse asserted that it would be an act of treachery and insensitivity for Obasa to return as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

He said the State’s Assembly is an institution that is directly responsible to the people of Lagos State who elected members to serve them.

“The change in leadership by the overwhelming majority of the members of the House is indeed a reflection of how elected representatives should assert themselves within the purview, procedural and legitimate essence of separation of powers which is a key attribute of democracy.

“The rights to the privilege of the members of the LAHA to choose their leaders or effect change in the leadership when such became necessary and provided such a decision is endorsed by the required numbers of the House has never been in contention,” he said.

Omotehinse added that it is indeed their expectation that members of the LAHA must have considered the overriding interests of their constituents and other stakeholders in Lagos before the change of leadership.

“it is our conviction, and correctly so that only bonafide members of the LAHA who must be in the majority as required by the Constitution and rule of engagement can determine how and when to choose their leaders.

“LAHA members must be allowed to exercise unfettered freedom in conducting legislative business! The Speaker chosen by the majority of the members must be allowed to preside over the business of the house without intimidation or harassment,” the activist said.

The activist said further that it is their submission that choice was made on Monday, January 13, 2025, saying that it would therefore amount to “declaration of war on democracy to continue to precipitate the needless crisis to impede the legislative business of the house, and by implication undermine governance in Lagos State.”

“Indeed, it is on record that the former EFCC boss interrogated the corruption allegations and was bent on pressing charges against the former Speaker before he was unceremoniously removed from office as the Chairman of the anti-graft agency.

“It was not surprising that the accusation of corruption against Rt. Hon. Obasa again reared its ugly head in the wake of the crisis that eventually culminated in his removal,” he said.

Omotehinse emphasised that it would therefore be a monumental act of treachery for Obasa to return as Speaker with the barrage of allegations against his person.

“We are of the opinion that the former Speaker owes it a duty to come clean of the corruption allegations rather than plotting to reclaim a position he has had the opportunity to occupy for close to 10 years.

“Except there is something beyond the quest to serve, Rt. Hon. Obasa should accept the collective decision of his colleagues in good faith. The Speaker of the legislative assembly is only first among equal and should be seen by any occupier at any given time as rare privilege and not an entitlement.

“More importantly, Lagosians expect Obasa to give peace a chance and allow the new Speaker the opportunity to preside over the affairs of the House in line with the decision of the majority. Let Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda be,” he stated.

The group called on members of the House to remain united behind the new Speaker who they said must reciprocate the confidence repose in her with diligence and commitment to legislative excellence for which LAHA is reputed.

“We equally wish to warn those who are still unpersuaded that members of LAHA should be allow to exercise their democratic freedom to desist from plotting against genuine democracy which the recent event in the Assembly perfectly signifies.

“Attempt to foist Rt. Hon Obasa as a perpetual and untouchable Speaker of LAHA is a huge disservice to democracy and most unwarranted assault on the collective integrity of Lagosians and the generality of the electorate,” Omotehinse said.

On the way forward, the group said that it is glad that LAHA is fully back to legislative business after more than 3 weeks of unnecessary apprehension. 

“We urge Rt. Hon. Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda not to be distracted by detractors and selfish interlopers undermining democracy by seeking to upturn popular legislative decisions that became expedient in the desire to move the legislative assembly forward.

“CHSR and partners will continue to monitor the situation at the LAHA,” the group’s president said.