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Obasa’s removal constitutional – Mamora, ex-Lagos Speaker

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Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and a Minister, Olorunnibe Mamora, has described the removal of the immediate past Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, as constitutional.

This is coming on the heels of Obasa maintaining that his removal as Speaker was unconstitutional, saying that the due process was not followed.

Mamora was the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, from 1999 to 2003. He represented Lagos East Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011, Minister of State for Health from 2019 to 2022, and the Minister of Science and Technology from 2022 to 2023 under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Recall that Obasa was removed by 35 out of the 40 members of the assembly on January 13, 2025 over allegations of misconduct and mismanagement of funds and replaced with his former Deputy, Mojisola Lasbat-Meranda.

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Obasa, spoke on Saturday amid cheers from members of Mandate Movement and politicians from some local governments in the state at the official residence of the Lagos Speaker in GRA, Ikeja.

The former speaker stressed that the allegations made against him by the lawmakers could not be substantiated, and that he is the most experienced lawmaker in the assembly having been elected six times since 2003.

Mamora speaks

Speaking exclusively with Vanguard, Mamora explained, “He who must come to equity must come with clean hands. That’s my position. I like legislature a lot.

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“Let me correct the impression. I have heard people say this in media discourse. If you look at the constitution you would not find impeachment. What you find is removal. There is difference between removal and impeachment.

“Impeachment connotes bringing allegations of wrong doing formally, in presenting before an offending public officer that is impeachment.

“That is when a formal presentation of allegations of wrong doing is presented to a public officer that is impeachment.

“But allegation do not necessary amount to guilt. It only says that these are the allegations that have been brought formally, which the officer has to respond to, that is impeachment.

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“If you are now convicted on the basis of allegations and a kind of sentence is passed. They may be spurious, that is they can not be really established. So, they remain allegations.

But when allegations are established leading to kind of sentence, then it may lead to removal. Allegations brought against you through impeachment may not necessary lead to remobval.

For example, President Clinton was impeached over Lewinsky, was he removed. No. He was impeached not removed. By their own constitution it’s the house that will bring impeachment notice, But, the final stage will be by the Senate. It got to the Senate it ws defeated.

But our own constitution does not talk of impeachment in any case, what we have is removal of the President, governor or the Speaker.

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The removal of a Speaker in the House of Assembly is or the National Assembly or Senate President is simple.

“What I mean by that is that once members bring a motion that is supported by the two third of members then the speaker or at thje national level vacate the seat, that’s all. It does not even say you should explain. It is just a simple process.

“Because, the speaker, is just first among equals. That is why the process for the removal of the Speaker or Senate President is different from the removal of Mr. Governor, deputy Governor or President, or Vice President.

“Because in the case of the Governor, it is the whole state that voted to put him in office that is why the procedure for his or her removal is a complex process.

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The allegations must be supported by one third to be brought and served notice on the holder of the office, wait for his or her response. set up a panel, report comes back to the house and the house come with a two third majority of the house. So you see it’s a complex process.

“But for the speaker, you just sat down, because the speaker is elected by simple majority but the constitution says by two third majority of the house, Speaker can be removed. The Constitution does not even say you should state the allegations.

It only says if you have the support of not less than two third majority of the members, in support of the motion for the removal of the speaker supported by not less than two third, and the speaker vacates. It dis not even say yiu should confront him with the allegations.

Impeachment on Obasa, Constitutional

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“Obasa was impeached and removed because there was a presentation which I watched on television. There was presentation of allegations against him. And it was on the basis of the allegations that the house decided to remove him.
“We need to get it clear. What we do here is that we use the word impeachment and removal inter-changeably as they are the same. I need to correct that.

“There could be impeachment without removal. The constitution under section 92, sub section two or thereabout talks of removal that the speaker shall vacate if a motion is presented supported by two third of members. That’s all.

So, allegations were presented against Obasa and on that basis the members went ahead to remove him in consonant with the section 92 of the constitution. So, the removal of Obasa is constitutional.

“If the allegations as read out on the floor of the assembly were true,, am not in the position to determine the veracity because am not a member of the assembly, but as presented by movers of that motion, if they were right then they would be justified to do what they did.

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Disrespecting the office of Governor

“I heard of the allegation of Obasa disrespecting the office of the governor and of its true it won’t be right to do that. The Governor remains the number one person of the state as the chief executive. I would not expect the speaker to be rude or show disrespect to the governor of the state no matter what.

But I can not deny the knowledge of a meeting by the GAC, am not a member of GAC, of the Speaker showing disrespect to the Governor. That will not be right of the speaker if you ask me to disrespect the Governor.”

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OERAF Rounds Up Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete’s remembrance with Novelty Match

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By Kennedy Atevure

Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) rounded up the remembrance of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., with a novelty match at Ughelli Public Field on April 11, 2025.

Speaking shortly after the match, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete appealed to the Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman’s representative for the council to upgrade the field to a mini stadium.

Dr. Akpodiete stressed that Ughelli Public Field has been in existence since before the state government built the Ughelli Township Stadium.

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The novelty match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, thrilled everyone who watched it.

The team of the children of late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete, Ph.D., scored the first goal, which was equalized by the grandchildren’s team through a penalty kick.

Dignitaries present during the novelty match included Hon. Chief (Mrs.) Meg Atano, Ughelli North Local Government Council Vice Chairman, ably represented by Pst. (Mrs.) Rita Nyewhoema; Evang. Nicolas Evwienure; Mrs Efe Akpodiete -Minabowan Barr. Agboka Akpodiete-Omale; Hon . Felix Uloho, Chief Grace Akpodiete; and Mr. Kennedy Otega (Big Daddy), among others.

Other highlights of the event included the presentation of cash prizes to both teams and a group photograph with light refreshments.

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Senate President moves to build capacity for Senate Clerk, other officials for efficient performance

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In a deliberate bid to build capacity for the Senate Clerk and other officials of clerks-at-the-table, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has encouraged refresher courses for such officials to bolster their performance levels for efficiency and effectiveness.

The first to benefit from the initiative was the Clerk of the Senate, Mr Andrew Nwoba, who just rounded off his one-month refresher course on Thursday, April 10, 2025 and is due to resume at his desk in plenary when they reconvene, 29th April, 2025.

This positive development is contrary to media reports on Thursday, April 10, 2025, insinuating that the Senate President passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Nwoba’s capacity to properly guide the upper legislative chamber during the sittings.

An official of the National Assembly said that the President of the Senate, in his leadership consideration, magnanimity and support for top officials of the Senate and other staff members, approved a refresher course for the Clerk Senate, Andrew Nwoba.

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The approval was to free him from his responsibilities in the chamber for a month. The Deputy Clerk (legislative) acted in his absence.

Reports said that having served creditably as Clerk of National Population and Gas committees, Secretary, Legislative Budget and currently, Clerk Senate, Mr Nwoba has garnered requisite experience to proactively guide and advise on adherence and compliance with the Standing Rules of the Senate.

Besides, staff members agree that Nwoba has efficiently and responsibly discharged his role as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Senate.

As Senate Clerk, Nwoba ensures smooth proceedings in line with procedural orders that are circumscribed in the Standing Rules of the Senate.

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In addition to ensuring legislative due process through the eyes of the rules, he also discharges other administrative duties.

The Clerk Senate performs these overarching assignments with the assistance of two Deputy Senate Clerks, one in charge of legislative duties and the other in charge of administration.

An official explained that the refresher course could hold any time and would not disrupt the workings of the clerks-at-the-table since there are enough hands, particularly, Deputy Clerk (Legislative), to deploy in plenary to guide, direct and advise the presiding officer in his absence.

As learnt, Nwoba, has been doing this by allowing the Deputy Clerk (Legislative) to help guide, direct and advise the presiding officer, and the synergy has been adjudged to be “progressive and productive.”

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Another official said in a chat that “It is most unfortunate, that some naysayers want to create bad blood between the President of the Senate and the Clerk of the Senate by making tenuous utterances and unfounded insinuations.

“The Clerk of Senate has been enjoying the support of the Senate President. He particularly received his unequivocal support during his elevation to the position by the National Assembly service Commission. The Clerk, in turn, has tremendous respect and regards for the President of the Senate, his leadership style, his listening ears, his simple nature, which are qualities that are rare in today’s political space.

“Out of his concern for the Senate Clerk, considering his zeal, determination, dedication and passion for the job, the Senate President respectfully asked him to go for a month refresher course to enhance top-notch performance and greater efficiency. This, for me, is the real vote of confidence in the Clerk Senate.”

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NDLEA destroys largest seizure of 1.6m kilograms illicit drugs seized in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo

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. Times have changed, we’re fully prepared to hold those who defy the law accountable, Marwa warns barons, traffickers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo state, in what is till date the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze at a time in the history of the Agency.

The public destruction of the illicit substances witnessed by representatives of government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, NGOs and community leaders, among others, was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun state on Saturday 12th April 2025. Some of the illicit drugs destroyed include 123 kilograms of cocaine; 46.8 kilograms of heroin; 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis; 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup; 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol; 1,544 kilograms of skuchies; and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine, among others.

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the exercise is a testament to the Agency’s steadfast commitment to tackling the scourge of drug trafficking in the country. “The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence”, he stated.
He warned those involved in drug trafficking that the times have changed and there will be no breathing space or any safe haven for them in Nigeria. In his words, “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace. At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law. In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and got convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”

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He expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support for the Commands and operations of the Agency in their respective states.
The NDLEA boss who was represented at the occasion by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, justified the public destruction of the confiscated drugs.

“The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking. This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in evidence. Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items. The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution”, he stated.

He said the event represents a significant milestone in the history of the Agency because “It is the public destruction of the largest seized narcotics across a spectrum of commands under NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11, which comprise the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border Command, and Seme Border Command”, adding that “while this accomplishment reflects our determination, it also underscores the scale of the challenge we continue to face.”
While commending the unwavering dedication of our officers, “who are working tirelessly to ensure that we do not fail in our assigned task of curbing illicit drug trafficking”, Marwa thanked both local and international partners who have continued to contribute to the success of the work of the Agency.

“Likewise, our international partners—such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US; United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK, the French Police; the German Police, and others—who are playing pivotal roles in bolstering our efforts. I am also deeply grateful to First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and other stakeholders including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, NAFDAC, and a host of others for their support, embodying the collaborative spirit necessary for effective drug control in society”, he added.

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In his remark at the ceremony, Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd) commended the efforts of the leadership and personnel of NDLEA for their courage, professionalism, consistent efforts in intercepting illicit drugs before they get to communities and streets.

“Their work in saving lives, in strengthening communities and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated”, he stated, adding that the state government remains a committed partner in the fight against drug-related crime.

While noting that the drug scourge is a social, economic and public health crisis, Governor Abiodun said “We must invest in prevention through education, through counseling and youth empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support systems for those battling addiction.”

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