LAGOS ASSEMBLY CRISIS INTENSIFIES AS SPEAKER MERANDA’S SECURITY WITHDRAWN
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The ongoing crisis at the Lagos State House of Assembly has escalated with the removal of all security personnel assigned to Speaker Mojisola Meranda. This development, occurring during an internal leadership conflict, has exposed the Speaker to possible threats.
An aide to the Speaker, who spoke privately, confirmed that the security detail, including police officers and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives, was pulled back on Thursday morning without any replacements.
“In the early hours of Thursday, we woke up to the startling news that all security details assigned to Madam Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, had been withdrawn. This includes the police and DSS officers, leaving her exposed to threats amid the ongoing speakership crisis,” the aide disclosed.
The aide also urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his role as the state’s Chief Security Officer, to intervene promptly to prevent a possible collapse of law and order.
The crisis deepened on Wednesday when Olalekan Onafeko, the former and suspended Clerk of the House, tried to return to work at the Assembly complex. However, he was respectfully turned away by security staff.
Onafeko, who was removed along with former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa on January 13, reportedly arrived at the complex around 9 a.m., accompanied by his lawyer, two security officers, and unidentified DSS operatives, in an attempt to reclaim his position.
“He, the suspended clerk, was politely told by the lawyer of the State Assembly to leave the complex peacefully as the matter is already in court,” an eyewitness revealed.
A viral video showed Assembly staff mocking and jeering at Onafeko, chanting hostile slogans as he was escorted off the premises.
In response, the Lagos State House of Assembly management issued a statement, signed by Chief Security Officer Kushoro Idowu, condemning the incident.
The crisis originates from the January 13 removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who was ousted by 32 of the 40 Assembly members. Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda was elected as the new Speaker.
Despite attempts by President Bola Tinubu, the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Governor Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), efforts to resolve the leadership dispute have yet to succeed.
As tensions escalate, stakeholders are urging immediate action to restore order and ensure the safety of Speaker Meranda and the Assembly complex.
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