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Tag: Lagos Assembly

  • JUST IN: 27 Lagos Assembly lawmakers deny defection to Labour Party

    JUST IN: 27 Lagos Assembly lawmakers deny defection to Labour Party

    Twenty-seven members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday, February 19, dismissed rumours suggesting that they have left the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition Labour Party (LP).

    The defection rumour is coming amid the crisis rocking the Assembly.

    The crisis deepened following moves by ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa to return to the House.

    The Nation reports that Obasa, who was removed by the majority of the lawmakers on January 13, 2025, approached the court last week to seek redress.

    The lawmaker dragged the Assembly and the new Speaker, Meranda, before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, claiming that the lawmakers were wrong to have removed him when the Assembly was in recess.

    Reacting to the defection rumour, a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode said: “The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to categorically debunk the malicious and unfounded publication alleging that twenty-seven members of the Assembly are planning to defect from the ruling party to the opposition Labour Party (LP).

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    “This publication is entirely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.

    “We find this report not only offensive but also riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsehoods that serve no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State.

    “The recent developments in the House, including the removal of the erstwhile Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker, are purely internal matters. These actions were carried out in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended.

    “These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party. We emphasize, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection.

    “We were elected under the Leadership of the Ruling Party, The ruling party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of Lagos State. The falsehood being spread originates from agents of destabilization who seek to create unnecessary tension and division within the Assembly.

    “To our party leaders and supporters across the state, we assure you that all members remain committed to the party.

    “Furthermore, we reaffirm that any internal disagreements within the House will be resolved amicably through peaceful and democratic mechanisms. There is no crisis that warrants any member considering defection.

    “We also call on all media partners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication and refraining from spreading unverified reports that could mislead the public.”

  • We’ll continue to secure Lagos Assembly, says CP Jimoh

    We’ll continue to secure Lagos Assembly, says CP Jimoh

    Lagos Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh has said operatives will continue to secure the House of Assembly as they have always done.

    He said this while responding to a question on the incident that occurred at the Assembly complex on Monday morning.

    The Police Chief was asked why it appeared their responsibility as lead agency for internal security had been hijacked by another agency.

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    He dismissed the claim, insisting that the police had always provided security at places of interest.

    “No, it is not true that the police were not on site to perform our duties. Our men have always provided security there but have remained outside where the law permits us to stay.

    “We do not have any business in the Hallowed Chamber and that is why our men were not there,” he said.

  • Lagos Assembly dismisses claims of First Lady’s involvement in internal crisis

    Lagos Assembly dismisses claims of First Lady’s involvement in internal crisis

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has debunked an online report alleging that Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is influencing the ongoing internal disputes within the House. 

    In a statement signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Hon. Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, the lawmakers described the claim as baseless and misleading.

    They emphasized that Senator Tinubu has no role in the Assembly’s internal matters and condemned any attempt to link her to the disagreements. 

    The statement further highlighted the Assembly’s deep respect for the First Lady, acknowledging her contributions to governance and national development both as a former First Lady of Lagos State and in her current role. 

    “It is inconceivable that any member of the Assembly would accuse her of involvement in legislative matters or attempt to tarnish her reputation,” Olukayode stated. 

    The lawmakers also called on journalists to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication and ensuring accuracy and balance in their reporting”, Ogundipe said.

  • DSS presence at Lagos Assembly raises dust

    DSS presence at Lagos Assembly raises dust

    The presence of operatives of the Directorate of State Service (DSS) on the premises of  Lagos House of Assembly complex yesterday generated controversy.

    While the Secret Police said its men were at the complex to keep the peace on the invitation of the Clerk of the House of Assembly, the lawmakers denied the claim, describing their presence as an “invasion”.

    The House of Assembly has been struggling to prevent a break out of crisis since the removal of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

    The removed Speaker has sued the House of Assembly and Speaker Mojisola Lasbat Meranda on the grounds that his removal was illegal, having being done during the period of recess.

    The recess is due to end today.

    Ahead of yesterday’s plenary, a drama ensued with the presence of DSS operatives in the Assembly complex.

    But the lawmakers sat, passed a vote of confidence in Meranda and adjourned sine die.

    A letter written by Acting Clerk of the Assembly Mr. A. T. B. Ottun surfaced while proceedings in the Assembly were on.

    The letter addressed to heads of security agencies in Lagos read: “I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires immediate action.

    “The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume to office on the 18th of February, 2025, as the Speaker, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

    “In light with this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February, 2025 by increasing the presence of your men and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”

    “We look forward to your prompt attention sir. Thank you.”

    Lawmakers during plenary condemned what they described as invasion of their complex.

    Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1) raised a motion under Personal Explanation.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Lagos Assembly suspends plenary indefinitely after security breach

    In the ensuing melee, Kazeem Osho (Mushin 2) was rushed to  hospital for emergency care due to the heightened tension in the chamber.

    While speaking, Joseph called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene.

    Stephen Ogundipe (Oshodi/Isolo 1) decried the incident as a “rape of democracy.”

    Sabur Oluwa (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 2) also condemned the invasion, saying it was unnecessary and unprofessional.

    Gbolahan Ogunleye (Ikorodu 1) called for a thorough investigation into the incident. “I am deeply saddened. I never imagined a day when armed men would storm the Lagos Assembly. I urge the DSS DG to investigate this attack, and I call on President Tinubu to ensure justice is served. This is a blatant violation of democratic principles.”

    Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) said it was a violation of legislative procedures. “What we witnessed today is an aberration. The Assembly is meant for debates that advance society, not for forceful interventions. Today’s incident is a disgrace.”

    Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) condemned the security operatives’ actions in the strongest terms. “This is an outright abuse of power. Democracy is about the people, not by the barrel of a gun. The people hold the ultimate authority, and this is what we uphold in this chamber. We must not allow anarchy and intimidation to prevail.”

     In a statement after the plenary, the lawmakers said: “We wish to categorically state that this is not the first time the House has sought security support from the DSS.

    ‘‘However, it is important to emphasise that in previous instances, DSS operatives have been stationed at the main gate of the Assembly complex, ensuring that unauthorised persons do not gain entry.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, at no point did the letter requesting security assistance instruct the DSS to invade the legislative chamber, lock and restrict access to the Speaker’s office, lock the office of the Acting Clerk and lock the Deputy Speaker’s office.

    “The event of today raises serious concerns about undue interference in legislative affairs.

    “The sanctity of the Lagos State House of Assembly was undermined by armed DSS operatives, who obstructed lawmakers from performing their constitutional duties.

    “The act amounts to an infringement on the independence of the legislature and a direct assault on democratic governance.

    “We reiterate that the lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly have taken a decisive and lawful step in the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. We stand firmly behind the leadership of the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda and remain resolute in our commitment to enacting laws that foster the development and progress of Lagos State.”

  • JUST IN: Lagos Assembly suspends plenary indefinitely after security breach

    JUST IN: Lagos Assembly suspends plenary indefinitely after security breach

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has suspended plenary indefinitely following the security breach at the premises of the Assembly on Monday.

    The Nation observed that police vans were stationed at the assembly gate.

    Tensions escalated in the assembly as security personnel, reportedly from the SSS, entered the assembly premises and locked the Deputy Speaker’s office before the start of the plenary session.

    This action led to a standoff between lawmakers and security officers, with the lawmakers eventually regaining access to the assembly.

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    Meranda was elected as the first female speaker of the Lagos legislature on January 13, 2025, following the removal of Mudashiru Obasa.

    During the plenary session, the lawmakers addressed the security breach and passed a vote of confidence in the Speaker, Mojisola Meranda.

    They also resolved to investigate the incident and report their findings to President Bola Tinubu and the SSS Director General Oluwatosin Ajay

  • Lagos Assembly invited DSS to maintain order, not to seal offices – Clerk

    Lagos Assembly invited DSS to maintain order, not to seal offices – Clerk

    Contrary to media reports claiming that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly and sealed the offices of the Speaker and his deputy, the Assembly itself invited security agencies to maintain order. 

    In a letter dated February 14, 2025, the Assembly management alerted security agencies in Lagos about credible intelligence suggesting plans to forcibly reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, 2025.

    The management warned that such an attempt posed “a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.” 

    The letter, bearing reference number: LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, was signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, and addressed to the DSS Director in Lagos, as well as the heads of other security agencies in the state. 

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    Titled: “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises,” the letter emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent any security breaches at the Assembly.

    The letter was addressed to the “The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, as the Speaker, poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

    “In light of this situation,” continued the Clerk, “we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday 16 February 2025 by increasing the presence of your Men and as well observe a strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”

    He concluded: “We look forward to your prompt attention Sir. Thank you.”

  • JUST IN: DSS storms Lagos Assembly

    JUST IN: DSS storms Lagos Assembly

    Operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) and Nigeria Police, in the early hours on Monday, gained entrance into the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    It was gathered the armed security personnel took over the premises at Alausa, Ikeja, and environs to ensure adequate security.

    The Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, however, arrived with her convoy around 11.15am.

    Read Also: Obasa sues Lagos Assembly, Meranda over removal

    After her arrival, the lawmakers expressed confidence in her leadership as the House settles to plenary.

    Obasa was removed from his position by 32 of the 40 members of the Assembly on January 13, 2025 while he was in the United States.

    This situation has sparked significant controversy with members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the leading political decision-making body within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, expressing divided opinions regarding Obasa’s ousting.

    Details shortly…

  • Group seeks protection for Lagos Assembly speaker Meranda amid leadership crisis

    Group seeks protection for Lagos Assembly speaker Meranda amid leadership crisis

    • …faults alleged plan to reinstate ex-speaker Obasa

    The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has called for the protection of democracy and the independence of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LAHA) following the recent leadership change that removed Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as Speaker and brought in Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, CHSR President Comrade Alex Omotehinse stressed the importance of an unfettered legislative process and urged all stakeholders to respect the decision of the majority members of the House.

    “It would amount to a declaration of war on democracy to continue to precipitate a needless crisis that impedes legislative business and undermines governance in Lagos State,” Omotehinse said.

    He also condemned attempts to reinstate Obasa, questioning why efforts were being made to impose him back into office despite Meranda’s lawful and procedural selection.

    The CHSR maintained that the Lagos Assembly, as a body accountable to the electorate, must operate without external interference. 

    The group urged lawmakers to support Speaker Meranda, emphasizing that her leadership would foster inclusivity, transparency, and democratic principles.

    “Being the first woman to hold this position in over five decades, her emergence is a positive step towards gender inclusivity in governance,” Omotehinse added.

    He also warned against any attempts to undermine the democratic process by imposing Obasa as “a perpetual and untouchable speaker,” describing such efforts as an assault on the collective will of Lagosians.

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    While expressing satisfaction that legislative activities had resumed after weeks of uncertainty, CHSR pledged to continue monitoring the situation. The group urged Meranda to remain focused and not be distracted by opposition forces attempting to upturn the assembly’s decision.

    CHSR also demanded that “LAHA members be allowed to exercise unfettered freedom in conducting legislative business! 

    “The speaker chosen by the majority of members must be allowed to preside over the business of the house without intimidation or harassment!!

    “Democracy must not be trampled or surrendered!!!”

    The group advocated for safeguarding democracy and preserving the integrity of the Lagos Assembly, reaffirming its commitment to holding the government accountable to the people.

  • Lagos Assembly urges Sanwo-Olu to complete abandoned road projects

    Lagos Assembly urges Sanwo-Olu to complete abandoned road projects

    Lagos State lawmakers have urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to prioritize the completion of abandoned road projects across the state, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road in Igbogbo Bayeku, Ikorodu.

    Awarded in 2017, the road has been abandoned, posing dangers to residents and making the area prone to robberies.

    Hon. Aro Moshood (Ikorodu 2) raised the motion under ‘Matter of Urgent Importance,’ calling on the Governor to direct contractors to resume work immediately.

    He also recommended that government agencies provide 60% of the required funds to contractors and ensure their security to facilitate prompt project completion.

    He said: “The road has been left in a deplorable state since 2017. What was meant to bring relief to the people has now become a source of distress posing serious security and socio-economic challenges.”

    Supporting the motion, Hon. Sa’ad Olumo (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1) noted that the Lagos State government had allocated sufficient budgetary provisions for road projects, despite contractors citing rising material costs.

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    Deputy majority leader, Adedamola Richard Kasunmu (Ikeja 2) stressed that the issue extended beyond Ikorodu.

    “This is not just an Ikorodu problem, it is happening across the state. We need to summon all relevant authorities including the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to provide explanations for these abandoned roads,” he said.

    Hon. Abiodun Tobun proposed enacting a law to mandate all administrations to complete projects initiated by their predecessors to prevent cases of uncompleted projects.

    Other lawmakers, including Hon. Ganiyu Okanlawon (Kosofe I), emphasized the need for strict measures against contractors who fail to deliver and demanded that all contractors handling abandoned projects be summoned to account for their failures.

    Rt. Hon. Lasbat Meranda directed all the lawmakers to compile lists of abandoned roads in their constituencies for submission to the appropriate ministry for immediate action.

    The House resolved to take immediate action, urging Governor Sanwo-Olu to ensure the swift completion of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Road and other abandoned road projects across Lagos.

  • Bill for Research Trust Fund scales second reading at Lagos Assembly

    Bill for Research Trust Fund scales second reading at Lagos Assembly

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mojisola Meranda has committed a bill to establish the state’s research trust fund to a sub-committee of the house.

    She emphasised the need for tertiary institutions to partake in effective research work for the benefit of the state.

    The bill sponsored by a member of the assembly, Gbolahan Yishawu, scaled second reading.

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    The proposed law is aimed at creating a state research trust fund for the allocation, management and administration of the trust fund and for connected purposes.

    Supporting the bill, lawmakers praised the sponsor and noted that it would help advance the state.

    Yishawu told his colleagues that the bill was important, as it would help drive innovation, economic growth and technological advancement.