Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, has reportedly agreed to step down from her position, but only on the condition that it happens during a plenary session, sources have revealed.
The Assembly has been in crisis following an indefinite adjournment on February 17, when 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in Meranda’s leadership. Amidst political tension, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership intervened and proposed that Meranda step down to allow Lagos West to produce the next Speaker.
Meranda Insists on Plenary Resignation
Despite agreeing to resign, Meranda has made it clear that proper legislative procedures must be followed. A source familiar with the situation said, “If the Speaker would agree to resign, it has to be done during plenary when the House reconvenes. Madam Speaker cannot just resign like that without due process.”
The source added that there is currently no set date for the House to reconvene. “Until plenary is reconvened, we cannot say otherwise. We cannot say when the House will reconvene, therefore, the status quo remains.”
There are also indications that Meranda may be reassigned to her former position as Deputy Speaker as part of a compromise to resolve the ongoing crisis.
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APC Leaders Intervene to Restore Peace
With growing concerns over the stability of the Lagos Assembly, senior APC leaders, including former APC National Chairman Bisi Akande, former Ogun State Governor Aremo Olusegun Osoba, and Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Board Chairman Pius Akinyelure, have stepped in to mediate.
A party insider confirmed that a delegation from Abuja has been engaging with House members and other political stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution. “They are doing everything within their power to ensure there is peace in the Assembly,” the source said.
Over the weekend, key figures met with principal officers of the House, and another meeting is expected soon as efforts to end the crisis continue.
As part of the proposed resolution, the next Speaker will come from Lagos West, with eight lawmakers reportedly under consideration for the role. These include Setonji David (Badagry Constituency 2), Temitope Adewale (Ifako-Ijaye 1), Kehinde Joseph (Alimosho 1), Adedamola Kasunmu (Ikeja 2), Lukman Olumoh (Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1), Wale Rauf Sulaimon (Mushin 2), Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin 1), and Surajudeen Tijani (Ojo 2).
While negotiations continue, it remains unclear when the House will reconvene to finalize the leadership transition. Until then, Meranda remains the Speaker, and political observers are closely watching developments as they unfold.