The crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly has taken a new dimension following the withdrawal of security aides attached to Speaker Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, while those of her predecessor, Mudashiru Obasa, have reportedly been reinstated.
The development, described as a direct assault on democratic principles, has raised serious concerns over the impartiality of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh.
Despite being removed from office by an overwhelming two-thirds majority of Assembly members, Hon. Obasa has continued to preside over legislative proceedings with the backing of security operatives.
This has sparked widespread criticism, with political observers and civil society organizations condemning what they see as a clear attempt to subvert the will of the lawmakers.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Assembly of Lagos Youths decried the situation, warning that it could plunge the state into political turmoil.
The group questioned the rationale behind the selective security arrangements and accused law enforcement agencies of taking sides in a matter that should be resolved within the framework of the law.
The controversy surrounding the security arrangements has cast a spotlight on the role of the Nigerian Police Force in political affairs.
Critics argue that by withdrawing Speaker Meranda’s security aides while restoring Hon. Obasa’s, the police have openly displayed bias in favor of the embattled former Speaker.
“It is imperative to reiterate that Hon. Obasa is no longer the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“His removal was carried out in accordance with democratic principles, and the majority of Assembly members have unequivocally expressed their decision to move forward under new leadership,” the statement read.
Political analysts have also raised concerns about possible external influences backing Hon. Obasa, questioning why the former Speaker has remained in power despite being constitutionally ousted.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly must be allowed to function without interference. The police should not be seen as an arm of political actors, and it is dangerous for democracy when security agencies take sides in leadership disputes,” said a political commentator, Dr. Kayode Adebayo.
Mojisola Lasbat Meranda made history as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, a milestone many believed would usher in a new era of inclusive governance.
However, her leadership has been challenged from the onset by political maneuvering, raising concerns about efforts to undermine her administration.
Observers note that the withdrawal of her security aides is not just an attack on her office but a broader attempt to weaken democratic governance in Lagos State.
“Ensuring a smooth transition of leadership will not only strengthen the legislative process but also support Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in delivering on his campaign promises to the people of Lagos State,” the youth assembly stated.
Beyond the Lagos Assembly, the crisis appears to have extended to traditional rulers in the state.
Reports indicate that security aides attached to prominent monarchs, including Oba Gbolahan Oniru and Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, have also been withdrawn, raising fears of an orchestrated political move to destabilize key institutions.
“If these reports are accurate, it signals a broader political maneuver that could have far-reaching consequences. The stability of governance in Lagos State is at stake,” the statement noted.
This development has further heightened tensions, with some linking it to power struggles within the state’s political structure. Analysts warn that the crisis could spiral into a full-blown confrontation between political factions if not urgently addressed.
As the crisis deepens, the Assembly of Lagos Youths has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, and other relevant authorities to intervene to prevent a breakdown of order.
“We call on all stakeholders, including the Presidency, the Inspector General of Police, and well-meaning Nigerians, to intervene and uphold democratic norms in Lagos State.
The will of the people, as expressed through their elected representatives, must be respected, and any attempt to subvert democracy must be firmly resisted,” the statement concluded.
Similarly, the Ibile Eko Youths, representing the five divisions of Lagos (Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ikeja, and Lagos Island), have vowed to resist any attempt to undermine democratic governance in the state.
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