Lagos Assembly crisis: Speaker Meranda’s security aides withdrawn, Obasa storms complex

Lagos Assembly crisis: Speaker Meranda’s security aides withdrawn, Obasa storms complex

Security aides attached to Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, have been withdrawn.

Her security details were withdrawn on Thursday morning, newstrends learnt.

The Lagos legislature has been embroiled in crisis since Mudashiru Obasa was removed as speaker on January 13.

Meranda was elevated from deputy speaker to replace Obasa — becoming the first female speaker of the Lagos legislature.

A report by TheCable quoted a high ranking official in the Lagos assembly as confirming the withdrawal of Meranda’s security details.

“Yes, it’s true. Let people know that this woman did not impose herself in the Lagos house of assembly. She was elected by 33 of the 40-member house. That is to me an overwhelming majority.

“We should ask ourselves: Is it because she’s a woman? Women are also asking the same question. How long do we continue in this tradition?”

On February 17, the house passed a vote of confidence in Meranda during a plenary who subsequently adjourned sitting indefinitely, as rumours swirled that pressure was mounting on her to resign.

Obasa has repeatedly challenged the process that led to his impeachment He maintained that due procedure was not followed and insisted that he remained the speaker of the house.

Meanwhile, in a dramatic turn of events, Obasa, the ousted speaker reportedly, stormed the complex on Thursday, intending to resume duty.

According to sources, Obasa arrived at the Assembly around 11:30am, accompanied by heavily armed police officers and civil defence personnel.