By Dansu Peter Amid swirling speculations, a senior member of the Governor's Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos State All Progressives...
By Dansu Peter
According to fresh report by Nigerian Tribune, the GAC member, who requested anonymity, clarified that the meeting will focus on addressing the ongoing crisis within the Assembly, rather than deliberating on Obasa's return.
“The agenda for the meeting is the situation at the Lagos State House of Assembly, not Obasa,” the source stated. “If you recall, the GAC had earlier sent a delegation, including some Assembly leaders, to meet with President Bola Tinubu. Solutions were proffered during that engagement. The notion that the president ordered Obasa’s reinstatement is nothing but a fallacy.”
Recall the crisis erupted on January 13, when Obasa was removed as Speaker and replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. His removal has since triggered divisions within the APC, with some factions advocating for his return. However, the GAC source maintained that there is no official backing for Obasa’s reinstatement.
“We all know President Tinubu as a thoroughbred democrat,” the source continued. “If any politician or GAC member is still pushing for Obasa’s return, they are not being sincere. The president would not involve himself in a matter that has already been constitutionally decided by the House.”
The leadership tussle has also fueled speculations of a rift within the GAC, with reports suggesting tensions between members of the Justice Forum (JF) and the Mandate Movement (MM). Obasa, a key figure within the Mandate Movement, is believed to have its backing, while the Justice Forum remains opposed to his return.
The source, however, refuted claims of internal party discord, insisting that the Assembly’s leadership struggle is not a GAC issue.
“This is not about the Mandate Movement or the Justice Forum,” the source asserted. “Some individuals pushing this narrative are not original members of the progressive fold. They are people who have moved between parties and are now trying to stir unnecessary controversy.”
The source further criticized the portrayal of Obasa in the media, arguing that his influence has been exaggerated.
“People are making it seem as though he holds some kind of extraordinary leverage over Tinubu. That’s completely untrue. The first Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Barrister Osinowo, was removed during the Jakande era—so why all this noise over Obasa?”
Dismissing claims that Tinubu is reinstating Obasa due to concerns over sensitive information, the GAC member added, “What does he know that former governors and speakers didn’t? There is nothing new here. The media hype around Obasa is the real issue, and that’s what is fueling all these speculations.”
As the GAC convenes on Monday, party insiders stress that discussions will center on stabilizing the Lagos Assembly rather than reversing an already settled decision.
Excerpted from Nigerian Tribune
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