Victor Ezeja
In a surprising turn of events, Lagos State Police Command has restored security aides to Mojisola Meranda, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, who confirmed the restoration of the speaker’s security aides, said the initial withdrawal was for “audit purposes.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelJimoh emphasised at a news event on Thursday, 27 February 2025 that the security review was part of a statewide audit of police personnel to ensure adequate responsibility for officers and weapons.
“The ongoing police personnel audit is done in the public interest and not with any consideration except for the safety of everyone in the state,” Jimoh stated.
The initial withdrawal of Meranda’s security aides came at a time when the impeached speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, appeared at the Assembly complex and declared that he had resumed office as speaker.
Obasa’s return and announcement of his resumption of office fuelled speculations that Meranda has been controversially removed from office.
Obasa, who was impeached on January 13 over alleged misconduct and sundry offenses, reportedly arrived at the assembly complex on Thursday with his full security details.
READ ALSO: Tension In Lagos Assembly As Security Operatives Baricade Complex
Mojisola Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, was elected by majority of the state assembly lawmakers after Obasa’s impeachment was announced.
However, speaking to newsmen at the Assembly complex, he said his removal from office did not follow due process, insisting that he remains the legitimate speaker.
He alleged that his removal occurred while he was away from Nigeria and criticised the militarisation of the assembly complex during the impeachment process.
READ ALSO: 36 Lagos Assembly Lawmakers Pass Vote Of Confidence On Meranda Amid Speakership Crisis
The speakership dispute has caused tensions at the Assembly Complex, with security agents and legislative staff engaging in fisticuffs on 17 February 2025.
The situation remains unresolved, and Obasa’s latest move is likely to exacerbate the conflict.
He had filed a suit at the Lagos State High Court, challenging the process leading to his removal from office as speaker.
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.
