Tensions Rise as Lawmakers Clash Over N7bn SUV Deal, Leadership Struggle Continues
The political turmoil in the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated, despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent intervention aimed at resolving the leadership crisis.
The rift between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his former deputy, Mojisola Meranda, has left the Assembly in disarray, with allegations of financial mismanagement and betrayal fueling the unrest.
Failed Peace Accord: Lawmakers Reject Obasa’s Return
President Tinubu had brokered a peace deal instructing aggrieved lawmakers to cooperate with Obasa, who was controversially reinstated as Speaker after his impeachment in January.
The agreement, reportedly requiring Obasa to step down within 48 hours to pave the way for a new Speaker from Lagos West, appears to have collapsed.
Obasa’s refusal to resign has intensified the standoff, with lawmakers accusing him of breaking the deal. The Assembly remains in indefinite recess, deepening the governance crisis.
N7bn SUV Controversy: Who Approved What?
Adding fuel to the fire is a heated dispute over the purchase of official vehicles. Reports indicate that Meranda, during her brief tenure as Speaker, approved a N5 billion deal for SUVs, allegedly saving N2 billion compared to Obasa’s original N7 billion budget.
Obasa, however, is contesting the transaction, claiming he had already authorized the purchase before his impeachment and intended to procure the vehicles from Dubai. The matter has now reached the courts, with Obasa filing a lawsuit against Meranda and 33 lawmakers, further complicating the crisis.
Calls for Resignation Grow Louder
Amid the chaos, pressure is mounting on Obasa to step down. Pro-indigenous Lagos groups argue that his reinstatement undermines democratic principles, particularly since Meranda, the first female Speaker, was widely supported by lawmakers and the public.
Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the Labour Party, have criticized the APC-led Assembly for prioritizing internal power struggles over governance.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Silence and Tinubu’s Final Warning
Despite being a key stakeholder, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has remained silent on the issue.
However, reports suggest that during the Abuja peace talks, Tinubu sternly warned Obasa against further misconduct, highlighting potential corruption allegations that could have been exposed by Meranda’s camp.
With the situation at a breaking point, Lagosians are left wondering: will Obasa step down, or will this crisis continue to paralyze the state’s legislative body?
What’s Next?
The Lagos Assembly power struggle has far-reaching consequences, not just for the lawmakers involved but for governance in the state.
Will legal battles resolve the impasse, or is another political showdown inevitable? Stay tuned to NIGPOST for updates on this unfolding drama.
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