Why Security Details Were Withdrawn from Speaker Meranda-Police Explain

The Lagos State House of Assembly remains in turmoil as the battle for the speakership intensifies, raising serious concerns about political stability in the state. The crisis took a dramatic turn on Thursday when security details attached to Speaker Mojisola Meranda were suddenly withdrawn, triggering widespread speculations and tension within the assembly.

However, just hours after the controversial move, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, announced that the security details had been restored. Addressing journalists, Jimoh claimed that the withdrawal was part of an ongoing personnel audit and not targeted at Meranda or any specific individual.

"As I speak with you, the audit of police personnel attached to Hon. Mojisola Meranda has been completed, and the officers from the Lagos State Police Command have been returned to her for her protection,ÔÇØ he stated.

Jimoh insisted that the exercise had been ongoing for several days and that other high-profile individuals had also complied with the review process. However, the timing of the security withdrawal-amid a fierce leadership contest-has raised eyebrows, with many interpreting it as a political move rather than an administrative one.

Power Struggle: Obasa vs. Meranda - Who Truly Leads the Assembly?

Meranda, who hails from Apapa, took over the speakership following allegations of financial misconduct against former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. However, the former speaker has refused to accept his removal and made a shocking claim on Thursday, alleging that Meranda had resigned from her position as the head of the legislative body.

Obasa's return has further fueled confusion, with some lawmakers expressing outrage over what they described as a "charade and an embarrassment.ÔÇØ The lawmakers criticized the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for allowing Obasa's resumption, insisting that the leadership must put an end to the crisis before it spirals out of control.

"The Lagos Assembly cannot afford to be reduced to a theater of absurdity. The people of Lagos deserve better, and we must ensure that due process is followed,ÔÇØ a disgruntled lawmaker told reporters.

Lagos Assembly in Disarray: What Next?

As the crisis deepens, questions remain over the legitimacy of both Meranda and Obasa's claims to the speakership. While Meranda continues to perform her duties, Obasa's camp appears determined to force his return, creating uncertainty about the future of the legislative arm of government in Lagos.

Political analysts warn that if the leadership crisis is not resolved swiftly, it could impact governance in the state, with key legislative decisions stalled due to internal wrangling. Observers also question the APC's role in the debacle, with many urging the party to take a decisive stance to restore stability to the assembly.

For now, Lagosians can only watch as the power struggle unfolds, wondering who will ultimately emerge as the true leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly.