IMPEACHMENT COUP: Suspected Obasa Thugs Attempt Assembly Invasion, Security Operatives Take Over

By Akonasu Gbedozin  Security operatives, including personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos Task Force, and the Nigeria Police ...

By Akonasu Gbedozin 

Security operatives, including personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos Task Force, and the Nigeria Police Force, have cordoned off the Lagos State House of Assembly complex following the impeachment of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. The heavily armed officers restricted access to the premises, turning back motorists and pedestrians. 

Obasa was impeached in a dramatic session by Assembly members, who accused him of abuse of office and gross misconduct. His deputy, Mojisola Meranda-Lasbat, representing Apapa I Constituency, was subsequently sworn in as the substantive Speaker.  

In an apparent fallout of the impeachment, some thugs, alleged to be supporters of the former Speaker attempted to invade the Assembly complex. Security operatives intercepted the individuals, arresting several and detaining them in a Black Maria. Charms and amulets were reportedly recovered from the suspects, believed to have come from Agege, Obasa’s political stronghold, report by Vanguard says 

The Assembly also announced the removal of Clerk Olalekan Onafeko, who was allegedly appointed by Obasa. Both Obasa and Onafeko had been criticized for imposing a ban on journalists covering Assembly proceedings.  

In her inaugural address, Speaker Meranda pledged to uphold the Constitution and serve with integrity. "I affirm that I will be ofaithful as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly; that I will perform my functions honestly to the best of my ability, faithfully, and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," she declared.  

The development marks a significant shake-up in the leadership of the Lagos State legislature, with tensions still simmering around the Assembly complex.

Excerpted from Vanguard Newspaper