Lagos Lawmakers List Ex-Speaker’s Many ‘Sins’

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have listed perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings, high handedness and inciting members against each other as some of the ‘sins’ over which Mudashiru Obasa was impeached as Speaker of the state legislature.

Recall that members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, on Monday, impeached the embattled Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, representing Agege State Constituency 1, over alleged financial misappropriation.

Rt Hon. Obasa was impeached following a motion moved under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Femi Saheed.

Hon. Saheed, in line with provision of section 92(2) (C) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, accused Rt Hon. Obasa of gross misconduct and poor leadership, which included perpetual lateness to legislative sessions and meetings; high handedness and lack of regard for members; gross abuse of office and privileges; intimidation and oppression of members by inciting them against one another, amongst others.

He mentioned that Rt Hon. Obasa also practised an authoritarian and undemocratic leadership style in discharging his duties.

He, therefore, moved the motion for impeachment.

Following the adoption of the motion, the impeachment was made by the 32 members through a voice vote.

Subsequently, Rt Hon. Meranda emerged as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, while Fatai Mojeed emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

In a related development, the House also suspended the Clerk of the Assembly, Olalekan Onafeko. He was replaced with Mr. Abubakar Ottun as Acting Clerk of the House.

Later, Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, while speaking with newsmen on behalf of the lawmakers, explained why the members changed the leadership of the House.

According to him, “The Lagos State House of Assembly has declared its decision to impeach Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.

“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction.

“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians.”

He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members reached a consensus to end Obasa’s tenure.

The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.