Obasa Speaks Out: Inside The Clash Between Lagos Assembly Members And DSS

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have affirmed that the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker was conducted in full compliance with constitutional provisions and due process.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The lawmakers issued this statement on Thursday, signed by Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode on behalf of the Assembly, following their appearance at the Lagos Command of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The DSS had summoned two lawmakers, Lanre Afinni and Sylvester Ogunkelu, over allegations linked to the speakership crisis that led to Obasa’s removal on January 13. In a display of solidarity, other members of the Assembly accompanied them to the DSS office.

After the meeting with the DSS, the lawmakers reiterated that their actions adhered strictly to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act. They specifically cited Sections 92 and 96, which detail the process for electing and removing a Speaker, emphasizing that all procedures were properly observed.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly, as an independent arm of government, exercised its constitutional mandate in the best interest of Lagosians. Any effort to contest this legitimate action undermines the authority vested in us by the Nigerian Constitution,” the statement read.

The lawmakers also commended the DSS for its professionalism during the engagement and confirmed that all detained members had been released.

Reaffirming their commitment to their legislative responsibilities, the Assembly urged all stakeholders, including the executive branch and the public, to uphold the sanctity of legislative processes and refrain from unwarranted interference.