By Kingston Magare
Confusion reigned supreme Thursday afternoon after impeached Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa forced his way into legislative chambers and told news reporters he was back to claim his seat.
Obasa accompanied by four lawmakers loyal to him and guarded by fully armed security agents arrived at House of Assembly premises about 12:05 p.m. He went into the Speaker’s office as the lawmakers who impeached him and loyal to Mojisola Meranda, observed the scenario with shock and disbelief.
“I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional but in doing that, you must follow the due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic,” Obasa later told reporters.
However, 36 out of the 40 lawmakers said they remain loyal to Hon. Meranda, and they would not recognise Obasa as the Speaker of the House. They protested the withdrawal of the police details attached to Meranda and to the House of Assembly.
Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Stephen Ogundipe, condemned the situation saying: “This is Lagos, the State House of Assembly. We are shocked by what is happening today. If there is an issue, leadership should address us directly, not subject us to this charade.”
Obasa was impeached on January 13 by a vast majority of the 40-member assembly based on allegations of financial impropriety and gross misconduct. He was immediately replaced by his deputy, Meranda, while Fatai Mojeed assumed the role of Deputy Speaker.
Obasa challenged his removal in a Lagos High Court citing procedural error in his impeachment.
