Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has stated that he does not intend to victimize anyone following the leadership crisis that led to his removal.
Obasa was impeached on January 13 while he was outside the country, facing allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
His deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was immediately sworn in as the new Speaker.
On Thursday, Obasa returned to the assembly complex for the first time since his impeachment.
During Thursday’s plenary session, Obasa presided over the proceedings with only four lawmakers present including Hon. Nuraini Akinsanya, Hon. Yinka Eso, Hon. Jubreel Kareem, and Hon. Noheem Adams.
Reports indicate that more than 26 other legislators were in the assembly complex but refused to enter the chamber because according to them, Obasa has been rejected.
Mudashiru Obasa while presiding over plenary told the four lawmakers that he had no grudges against anyone and would continue working with them for the progress of Lagos.
He described them as loyal and dedicated colleagues committed to serving the people.
He also stated that he had no plans to victimize anyone despite the leadership crisis.
Obasa, however, dismissed claims that he was impeached, arguing that the process was not carried out correctly.
He maintained that impeachment is allowed under the constitution but must follow proper procedures.
He insisted that he was never officially removed and would not oppose his removal if it were done lawfully.
“I don’t have anything against anybody,” Obasa said.
“My colleagues have always been my brothers, they have always been loyal, dedicated, with strong commitment to serve the people of Lagos and we will continue to do that together. I have no intention of victimisation.”
“I’ve told you repeatedly I’ve never been removed. There’s nothing like impeachment. Impeachment is constitutional but to achieve that you must follow the due process,” he said.
“I’m not against been removed, if I do that then I’m not democratic but all we’re saying is let us go through the normal process to achieve that.”
After the plenary session, he adjourned the sitting indefinitely.
No Plans To Resign As Speaker – Obasa
He also debunked rumours suggesting he resigned as Speaker of the House.
“I still remain the Speaker of the Assembly. If we make laws for the people of Lagos then we should be able to respect our law as well and rules.
“The only thing in question is that I’m not against removal, it’s constitutional, but you must comply with the provisions in the Constitution and rules of the House,” he said.
Obasa Speaks On His Governorship Ambition
He also disclosed that the recent developments had nothing to do with his governorship ambition.
“Governorship! It has nothing to do with it. I have said it, it is not in my consideration. I said it during the budget presentation but that does not mean I’m not qualified. So, we are not talking about governorship; the issue of governorship is secondary.
“Our governor in Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has been doing well, still has about two and a half years to go. Why will a reasonable human being be thinking of becoming governor now?
“It is not a sin to have ambition. The governor is my brother, my leader, my everything, and there is no reason for me to disrespect him. If I have taken a step or an action that seems like disrespecting him, that may have happened unconsciously. There is no need to do that. The governor is number one in our state. So, we have to respect him and he is my brother; so, nothing of such.
“It is not in my consideration but that does not mean that I am not qualified or I do not have experience. As of now, I have not approached anybody in Lagos about governorship aspiration. I challenge anybody in Lagos, including GAC members who can say I have spoken to them about governorship ambition.”
Meranda Already Resigned As Speaker – Obasa
Obasa also claimed that the speaker of the House, Mojisola Meranda, had stepped down as the parliament leader.
The embattled lawmaker said Meranda resigned at the peace meeting held at the Lagos House in Marina last weekend.
He said, “When my security was withdrawn without my consent, did I complain? At the meeting held in Marina, which saw the attendance of all party leaders, it was made clear, with hopes that all members were present, that Meranda herself declared her resignation. She made it known that she has stepped down.
“Now, when someone resigns from office, the associated paraphernalia is taken away. So, the question arises: Have you also resigned? Because we understand that part of the arrangement is for you to step down as well. Let them present the resignation letter. And if I were to resign, would I still be here? I’m sure you’d still address me as Speaker, even though we’ve never had a conversation before.”
Obasa Apologizes To DSS
On Thursday, Mudashiru Obasa, publicly apologized to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force following an attack on their officers within the Assembly complex on February 17.
In a statement he personally signed, Obasa expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that security operatives were assaulted within the legislative chambers.
He described the attack as unfortunate and extended an apology on behalf of the entire Assembly.
He recognized the crucial role security agencies play in maintaining order and protecting lives and property within the Assembly and the state.
He also noted that the Assembly had previously requested security support, including on the day of the incident.
Obasa reassured that the Lagos Assembly has always maintained a good relationship with security agencies and hopes this unfortunate event will not affect their partnership.
He also appealed for leniency towards those facing legal action over the incident, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution that would strengthen their cooperation in maintaining stability in the state.
Meanwhile, the police in Lagos have announced that they have restored the security details of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda.
