‘Meranda stepped down as speaker’, Obasa claims

The ousted speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has claimed that the speaker of the House, Mojisola Meranda, had stepped down as the parliament leader.

Obasa stated this on Thursday during an interview with Channels Television’s programme, Politics Today.

The embattled lawmaker said Meranda resigned at the peace meeting held at the Lagos House in Marina last weekend.

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“When my security was withdrawn without my consent, did I complain? At the meeting held in Marina, which saw the attendance of all party leaders, it was made clear, with hopes that all members were present, that Meranda herself declared her resignation. She made it known that she has stepped down,” Obasa said.

“Now, when someone resigns from office, the associated paraphernalia is taken away. So, the question arises: Have you also resigned? Because we understand that part of the arrangement is for you to step down as well. Let them present the resignation letter. And if I were to resign, would I still be here? I’m sure you’d still address me as Speaker, even though we’ve never had a conversation before.”

Obasa maintained that his removal by 36 of the 40-member House is invalid, stressing that he remains the Lagos Assembly speaker.

“I have never been removed. I am not against removal, but it must follow the rules of the House and the Constitution,” he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Obasa had appeared at the Lagos State House of Assembly under heavy security, declaring himself as the Speaker and presiding over a plenary session with only four members of the House seated.