By Olaitan Ibrahim
32 members of the Lagos Assembly have impeached the Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.
Obasa had before his impeachment been accused of corruption and financial mismanagement.
He was among others, alleged to have recklessly spent N17 billion on a gate to the assembly complex.
Obasa was also accused of being contemptuous of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
He was said to have been questioned by the Economic amd Financial Crimes Commission over the alleged infractions.
Obasa who was said to be away in Atlanta, USA at the time of his impeachment, was replaced with his deputy, Lasbat Meranda of the Apapa Constituency 1,
Obasa aged, 52, first emerged Speaker on June 8, 2015. He was serving his third term in office before he was removed.
In a related development, the Lagos State House of Assembly has advanced reasons behind the dramatic impeachment of its Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, in a move that sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.
Obasa’s removal, executed while he was away in the United States, was met with widespread jubilation among Assembly staff and observers on Monday.
Addressing the media shortly after the impeachment, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, flanked by other lawmakers, described the decision as a necessary step to protect the integrity of the legislative body.
“Change is inevitable,” Tobun began solemnly. “The members of this House, in exercising our constitutional right to regulate our proceedings, unanimously decided that we had endured enough under the leadership of the Right Honourable Speaker. Today, we have resolved to replace him to safeguard the sanctity and reputation of this Assembly,” he said.
The Assembly immediately appointed Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker and Hon. Mojeed Fatai Adebola as Deputy Speaker.
In a sweeping overhaul, Tobun said all principal positions and standing committees were dissolved, signalling a fresh start for the legislative arm.
“This action was not taken lightly,” Tobun continued. “We owe Lagosians a duty to ensure that this House remains a beacon of integrity and progress. By removing the former Speaker, we have demonstrated our commitment to our constituents and the state at large,” he stated.
The decision, he added, was made to unify the Assembly and move it to “the next level” of efficiency and accountability.