News
‘Lagos Lawmakers List Obasa’s Sins Which Led To His Impeachment’
The Lagos State House of Assembly has explained its decision to impeach former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on Monday, citing persistent lateness, authoritarian leadership, and incitement of divisions among members.
Obasa, who represented the Agege constituency, was replaced by his deputy, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda of Apapa I, making her the first female Speaker in the Assembly’s history.
In a sweeping leadership overhaul, the lawmakers also removed the Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, reportedly appointed by Obasa during his tenure.
Grounds for Impeachment
The motion to impeach Obasa, moved by Femi Saheed under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, accused the former Speaker of gross misconduct. Invoking Section 92(2)(C) of the Nigerian Constitution, Saheed outlined several charges, including:
Persistent lateness to legislative sessions.
Highhandedness and disregard for fellow lawmakers.
Abuse of office and privileges.
Intimidation of members and promotion of internal divisions.
Undemocratic and authoritarian practices.
Saheed described the impeachment as a necessary step to restore order, democracy, and integrity within the Assembly. The motion was unanimously supported by 32 members through a voice vote, officially ending Obasa’s decade-long tenure as Speaker.
Leadership Restructuring
Following the impeachment:
Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker.
Fatai Mojeed emerged as the Deputy Speaker.
Abubakar Ottun was appointed Acting Clerk after the suspension of Olalekan Onafeko.
Enhanced Security Measures
In the aftermath, the Assembly complex was secured by armed personnel from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos Task Force, and the state police. Visitors and motorists were turned away, while some individuals, reportedly supporters of Obasa, were arrested for attempting to breach security. Charms and amulets allegedly linked to these supporters were recovered.
Financial Mismanagement Allegations
Obasa’s administration faced growing scrutiny over allegations of financial impropriety, particularly involving budget allocations and expenditures:
Vehicle Allocations: Despite ₦30.19 billion allocated in 2023 and ₦13.33 billion in 2024 for official vehicles, no vehicles were reportedly purchased in 2023, and only a fraction of the 2024 funds has been accounted for.
Capital Projects: Critics questioned ₦15.65 billion allocated for office construction in 2023 and 2024, deeming the expenditure excessive given the functionality of existing facilities.
Property Investments: ₦1.1 billion allocated for properties in 2023 and ₦126 million in 2024 for properties in Abuja raised concerns about misplaced priorities.
These alleged irregularities have fueled public outrage, with citizens and advocacy groups demanding greater accountability.
Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, stated that the decision to impeach Obasa was a collective effort to safeguard the Assembly’s image and promote inclusivity. “Change is inevitable, and we believe this step is necessary for the progress of Lagos State,” Tobun explained.
Civil society groups have also raised questions about Obasa’s stewardship, particularly the reported ₦17 billion spent on fixing the Assembly gate. Obasa dismissed the claim as “spurious and absurd,” adding that such allegations are politically motivated ahead of the 2027 elections.
Advocacy groups and concerned residents have urged the Assembly to provide a detailed breakdown of expenditures over the past two years. They argue that without transparency, governance risks becoming a tool for personal enrichment at the expense of public welfare.
The impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa underscores the growing demand for accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s political institutions. With new leadership under Speaker Mojisola Meranda, the Lagos State House of Assembly aims to restore public confidence and focus on delivering its legislative responsibilities effectively.
News
NMDPRA approves F-500 Encapsulator Agent for oil depots, pipelines with strict three-year terms
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has approved the F-500 Encapsulator Agent fire suppressant for use across midstream and downstream petroleum operations, subject to strict three-year conditions and regulatory monitoring.
The fluorine-free agent is now cleared for deployment in depots, pipelines and processing facilities, the NMDPRA said in a circular dated March 12, 2026 and signed by Mustapha Lamorde, PhD, on behalf of the Authority Chief Executive.
The sector-wide approval followed a two-step process.
Okama Infinity Nigeria Limited received company-specific clearance in February 2025 after the product passed Safety Data Sheet validation and eco-toxicity tests under Nigerian conditions.
The March directive extends eligibility to all licensees, operators, and service providers.
Under the Petroleum Industry Act and 2023 environmental regulations, the NMDPRA said the approval is conditional and revocable. It runs for three years from March 12, 2026.
Operators must comply fully with existing petroleum and environmental laws. Any change to the product’s formulation without prior approval voids the clearance and triggers mandatory re-certification.
Distributors must file quarterly inventory returns showing volumes imported, distributed, and deployed. The regulator reserves the right to review, revise, or withdraw approval based on field performance or new evidence.
The F-500 Encapsulator Agent offers a non-toxic, fluorine-free alternative to older foam systems that have raised environmental concerns. Fire risk remains a major hazard in petroleum storage and transport.
The NMDPRA said the rollout will be closely monitored to ensure field performance matches technical claims. For operators, the approval adds fire response capability but also increases reporting and compliance duties.
Managing Director of Okama Infinity Nigeria Limited, Sir Oghenekaro Jockey expressed joy over the approval granted by the regulatory agency.
Jockey assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to excellent service delivery.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal has shared details of a private conversation he had with late President Muhammadu Buhari about his political ties and disagreements involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that Lawal spoke in an interview on Channels Television, where he said the conversation happened shortly before Buhari’s death.
He explained that Buhari warned him about possible political disagreements that could come up between him and Tinubu in the future.
According to him, the late president said such situations were likely but should be handled carefully.
He said Buhari advised that any clash in political views should remain focused on governance and public issues.
The former president, he added, made it clear that personal attacks should be avoided, and discussions should remain centered on national matters rather than personal matters.
Lawal said he accepted the advice and made a promise to follow it. He explained that since then, he has tried to keep his public comments about Tinubu within political issues only, without bringing in personal matters.
He added that Buhari told him he might end up in political disagreement with someone he considered a friend, but he should avoid turning it into something personal. Lawal said he agreed to that guidance at the time and has tried to respect it in his political activities.
Quoting his exchange with Buhari, Lawal said the late president told him, “You are going to fight your friend politically; please promise me you will not go personal with your fight.”
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the party can only adopt a consensus candidate where all aspirants voluntarily agree to the arrangement.
Speaking on the party’s nomination process, the chairman emphasized that consensus candidacy is not imposed but must be the product of mutual consent among all contenders seeking the ticket.
In a statement, the chairman clarified that any consensus candidate must have backing of all the contenders.
— Prof. Nentawe
NMDPRA approves F-500 Encapsulator Agent for oil depots, pipelines with strict three-year terms
Ex SGF Babachir reveals what Buhari told him about Tinubu before his demise
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