The leadership tussle in the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated dramatically with the withdrawal of security details assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda.
Security operatives, including police officers and Department of State Services (DSS) personnel, were reportedly withdrawn on Thursday morning without any replacements, leaving the Speaker vulnerable.
An aide to Meranda, speaking to reporters, described the situation as alarming and urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene immediately.
The crisis took another twist on Wednesday when suspended Clerk Olalekan Onafeko attempted to resume duty at the Assembly complex but was turned away by security personnel. A viral video showed Assembly staff booing and jeering as he left the premises.
The turmoil stems from the January 13 removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by 32 out of 40 lawmakers, paving the way for Meranda’s election. Despite interventions from President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the APC, efforts to resolve the dispute remain deadlocked.
As tensions mount, stakeholders are calling for urgent measures to restore order and ensure the Speaker’s safety.
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