... Power Struggle Deepens as GAC Defies Tinubu's Directive By Dansu Peter The leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly...
... Power Struggle Deepens as GAC Defies Tinubu's Directive
By Dansu Peter
The crisis began with the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the subsequent installment of Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. However, Tinubu was said to have rejected Obasa’s removal, arguing that it was executed without proper notification to the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and the GAC. In response, the President reportedly ordered Obasa’s reinstatement, instructing that his impeachment be converted into a resignation to maintain party unity.
The directive also underscored the need to elect a new Speaker from Lagos West Senatorial District to balance the power-sharing formula in the state. This is because the current Speaker, Meranda, and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu both hail from Lagos Central, raising concerns over regional representation.
At the recent GAC meeting, presided over by its Chairman, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, an unexpected shift occurred. Instead of implementing Tinubu’s directive, Olusi reportedly informed members that the President had instructed them to maintain the current leadership structure in the House. However, sources claim this was a departure from Tinubu’s actual stance.
In a move that appeared premeditated, Olusi directed ranking lawmakers from Lagos West to submit three nominees for the speakership position. However, prior to this public directive, the Justice Forum faction of the GAC had reportedly held a secret meeting, where they had already finalized the names of three candidates: Engr. Setonji David (Badagry Constituency 2); Temitope Adedeji, (Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1), and Wale Rauf (Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2)
These names were to be forwarded to the President, effectively sidelining other potential candidates and reinforcing the factional control over the Assembly’s leadership.
In a dramatic twist, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro was said to have instructed Wale Rauf to reject the selection process on behalf of his Lagos West colleagues. Rauf reportedly stood up during the meeting and declared that the lawmakers from the district had resolved to back Mojisola Meranda’s continued speakership, defying the selection scheme.
This unexpected stance led to heightened tensions in the meeting, with lawmakers allegedly being coerced into signing an undertaking to support the GAC’s decision. This document, sources claim, was intended for presentation to Tinubu as evidence of consensus.
According to Vanguard, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, a senior APC figure, was said to have challenged Olusi’s interpretation of Tinubu’s directive, accusing him of misrepresenting the President’s position. The disagreement reportedly led to a deadlock, forcing the GAC to take the matter to Abuja for further deliberations.
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is believed to be quietly opposing Obasa’s reinstatement, despite Tinubu’s directive. Sources allege that Sanwo-Olu, whose relationship with Obasa has been strained, met with select progressive lawmakers on the eve of the GAC meeting to brief them on Tinubu’s directive. However, he also reportedly held a separate meeting with another group, subtly encouraging them to resist Obasa’s return.
While Sanwo-Olu has been careful not to be seen openly defying the President, his actions suggest a strategic maneuvering to maintain the current Assembly leadership without Obasa’s influence.
With the GAC now taking the issue to Abuja, the final decision on the Lagos Assembly leadership remains uncertain, as the political intrigues within the state’s power structure continue to unfold.
Culled from Vanguard Online
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