In a dramatic turn of events, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened in the ongoing crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly, issuing a new directive aimed at resolving the leadership tussle. This development comes as the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, is reportedly set to resign from his position. The crisis, which has divided the Assembly and threatened legislative activities, has drawn the attention of key political stakeholders, including Tinubu, who is widely regarded as the political leader of Lagos State.
The Lagos Assembly Crisis: A Background
The Lagos State House of Assembly, known for its stability and cohesion, has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following allegations of high-handedness and lack of transparency against Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Some members of the Assembly have accused Obasa of running the House as a “one-man show,” sidelining other lawmakers and disregarding due process in decision-making.
The crisis escalated when a group of lawmakers, led by Hon. Rotimi Olowo, openly demanded Obasa’s resignation, citing the need for a more inclusive and transparent leadership. The situation has paralyzed legislative activities, with several sittings either postponed or ending in chaos.
Tinubu’s Intervention
President Bola Tinubu, who has maintained a strong influence over Lagos politics since his tenure as governor, has stepped in to address the crisis. Sources close to the presidency reveal that Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with key stakeholders, including members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
During the meeting, Tinubu reportedly issued a directive for the immediate resolution of the crisis, emphasizing the need for unity and stability in the Assembly. He also urged the lawmakers to prioritize the interests of Lagosians and avoid actions that could undermine the state’s progress.
Mudashiru Obasa’s Impending Resignation
As part of the resolution, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa is said to have agreed to step down from his position. Obasa, who has been Speaker since 2015, has faced mounting pressure from within and outside the Assembly to resign. His resignation is expected to pave the way for a new leadership that can restore peace and functionality to the House.
While Obasa has yet to make an official statement, sources within the Assembly confirm that he has already informed his close allies of his decision to resign. His resignation is expected to be announced during the next plenary session of the House.
Who Will Become the New Speaker?
With Obasa’s resignation imminent, attention has shifted to who will succeed him as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Several names have been floated as potential candidates, but one lawmaker stands out as the frontrunner: Hon. Rotimi Olowo, the current Chairman of the House Committee on Finance.
Olowo, who represents Shomolu Constituency 1, is widely respected for his legislative experience and leadership qualities. He has been a vocal critic of Obasa’s leadership style and has played a key role in mobilizing support for a change in the House’s leadership. Other names being considered include Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda and Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, both of whom are seen as capable and experienced lawmakers.
Reactions to Tinubu’s Directive
Tinubu’s intervention has been met with mixed reactions. While some lawmakers have welcomed his directive, describing it as a timely and necessary step to restore order, others have criticized it as an overreach of executive influence into legislative affairs.
Supporters of the move argue that Tinubu’s intervention was necessary to prevent the crisis from escalating further and to ensure that the Assembly can continue to function effectively. They also point to Tinubu’s deep understanding of Lagos politics and his ability to mediate complex disputes as reasons for his involvement.
Critics, however, argue that the crisis should have been resolved internally by the lawmakers, without external interference. They warn that Tinubu’s intervention could set a dangerous precedent, undermining the independence of the legislative arm of government.
The Way Forward
With Tinubu’s directive and Obasa’s impending resignation, the Lagos State House of Assembly is expected to enter a new phase of leadership and governance. The incoming Speaker will face the daunting task of uniting the House, restoring trust among lawmakers, and addressing the concerns of Lagosians.
The crisis has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the Assembly’s operations. Many observers have called for reforms to ensure that the House operates in a more inclusive and democratic manner, with the interests of the people at its core.
Conclusion
The Lagos State House of Assembly crisis has been a test of the state’s political stability and the resilience of its democratic institutions. President Bola Tinubu’s intervention and the impending resignation of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa mark a turning point in the crisis, offering hope for a resolution and a fresh start.
As the Assembly prepares to elect a new Speaker, the focus must remain on restoring unity, transparency, and functionality to the House. The lessons learned from this crisis should serve as a reminder of the importance of good governance and the need for leaders to prioritize the interests of the people above all else.
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