By Kolawole Ojebisi
In what appears to be a move to seal her assumption of office, the new speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday occupied her official office at the assembly complex.
The move came amid reports of a potential showdown over the speaker’s seat. The New Diplomat had reported that security measures were beefed up at the assembly over palpable fears of a potential showdown.
Recall that ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, at the weekend, returned to the state, barely two weeks after his removal by 32 of the 39 Assembly members, insisting that he remains the number one lawmaker of the assembly.
On his return, Obasa received a “heroic welcome” from supporters at his residence in Ikeja.
Obasa said he remains the speaker “until the right thing has been done.”
This claim by the ex-speaker has, however, fuelled speculations that there might be underhand schemings to reverse his removal from office.
There are fears of potential showdown should Obasa grace the plenary session on Monday (today).
Monday’s plenary makes it the third session presided over by Meranda since Obasa’s removal, with the former speaker absent at the last two sittings.
Meanwhile, security personnel screened journalists and other individuals attempting to enter the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday.
At least three police vehicles are currently stationed at the assembly’s main gate with other security vehicles sighted inside the complex as the lawmakers prepare to hold a plenary.
The tightened security measures were said to be part of a move to prevent possible breakdown of law and order at the assembly.
The new speaker, Meranda, on Monday, arrived the assembly complex into hands of lawmakers who showed solidarity and posed for some photographs amid cheering of “Madam Speaker.”
Meranda has equally occupied the speaker’s office at the assembly.
