By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Lawmakers in Lagos State House of Assembly have declared that the removal of the immediate past Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, was legal, lawful and constitutional.
Recall Obasa was removed on January 13 while he was in the United States (U.S.).
Mojisola Meranda was immediately elected to replace him. Since 1979, she is the first female Speaker of the Assembly.
When Obasa returned, he declared that his removal was illegal, null and void as his colleagues in the Assembly did not follow due process.
But, the lawmakers replied him, insisting that their action “is legally binding”.
They stated this while responding to an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos.
According to a statement by Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, on behalf of the Lagos State Assembly, “The Lagos State House of Assembly has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility as an independent branch of government with the best interests of the people of Lagos in mind.
“The decision to remove the former Speaker was reached through a democratic process, with the necessary majority as outlined by law. Any efforts to contest this legitimate action undermine the authority granted by the Nigerian Constitution.”
They stated that Obasa’s removal was consistent with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act. These empower the State Assembly to manage its internal affairs without external interference.
The lawmakers explained that Sections 92 and 96 detail the procedures for electing and removing the Speaker, and their decision adhered to these guidelines.
They also noted that it is widely known that legislative autonomy has been granted to State Assemblies, allowing elected representatives to operate independently within their designated chambers.
Some members of the Lagos Assembly were detained by the DSS and questioned regarding matters concerning the legislative body. In response, additional Assembly members visited on Thursday.
However, after their visit, the lawmakers reported that their colleagues who were summoned for questioning had been released.
The lawmaker announced that all previously detained Assembly members have been released and praised the professionalism of the DSS.
The statement expressed gratitude to the Lagos DSS Command, particularly “acknowledging the Director for facilitating a smooth and respectful interaction”.