Victor Ezeja
Despite the ongoing crisis ravaging the Lagos State House of Assembly, not less than 36 state lawmakers have passed a vote of confidence on the newly elected speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, to remain on the seat.
This comes amid tension caused by the invasion of the State House of Assembly complex by security agents on Monday morning.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe incident caused a delay in the commencement of plenary session scheduled for 12 noon as security operatives barricaded the Assembly complex, including the chamber and the speaker’s office.
The motion for the voting was moved by Oladipo Ajomale, a member representing Oshodi/Isolo 2. He stated that the lawmakers are confident in the Speaker’s ability to lead the House because she was duly elected by them.
The motion was seconded by Aro Moshood after which the remaining 34 lawmakers, passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
The House thereafter adjourned sitting till further notice.
The action of security operatives fueled speculations that Meranda might resign to pave the way for the return of former speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who was removed from office last month.
READ ALSO: Tension In Lagos Assembly As Security Operatives Baricade Complex
Meranda assumed office as speaker on 13 January, becoming the first female speaker of the Lagos State Assembly.
Obasa has gone to the Lagos State High Court to challenge his impeachment.
The former speaker argued that his removal from office didn’t follow due process, insisting that he remained the legitimate speaker of the house.
Rhodes-Vivour Commends House Members For Resisting Invasion By Security Operatives
Meanwhile, the Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has commended the state assembly members for resisting the invasion of the assembly complex by security operatives which he described as an act of “tyranny.”
A video shared on social media showed masked operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), attempting to prevent people from gaining access to the house chamber.
In a series of tweets on Monday afternoon, Rhodes-Vivour condemned the action of security agents warning that such actions pose a threat to democracy.
“Without respect for established democratic processes and the independence of the Lagos State House of Assembly, we risk a shameful descent into anarchy,” LP governorship flag bearer stated.
He asserted that the deployment of security officials to the State Assembly complex in such a manner “represents a dangerous assault on democratic institutions and the principle of separation of powers.
“The deployment of security forces to intimidate elected representatives and interfere with legislative functions is reminiscent of our dark days under military rule and has no place in a democratic society.”
He urged all well-meaning Lagosians to resist any attempt to undermine their independence through intimidation tactics.
He called for the immediate withdrawal of DSS operatives from the Assembly complex and demanded a full public explanation of the legal basis for the action.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
