All security aides attached to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, have been withdrawn, leaving her without protection amid growing political tensions.
Reports indicate that as of Thursday morning, police officers and other security personnel assigned to the Speaker were removed. It remains unclear who authorized the decision, but a source close to Meranda confirmed that she is now without security.
The source revealed, “All the Speaker’s security aides have been withdrawn. All the security aides attached to the House of Assembly have also been withdrawn. The Speaker is now vulnerable.”
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Political Pressure and Calls for Resignation
This development comes amid speculation that Meranda may resign from her position as Speaker. Prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former governors Chief Bisi Akande (Osun) and Aremo Olusegun Osoba (Ogun), have intervened in the ongoing crisis.
Last Sunday, these political leaders led a mediation panel that met with key stakeholders at the House of Assembly. The meeting, held at the Governor’s Lodge in Marina, included members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), who are influential in Lagos politics.
According to sources within the GAC, the panel has recommended that both Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker, and Meranda step down. Their proposal suggests that a new lawmaker from Lagos West should assume leadership of the Assembly.
Speaker’s Office Confirms Security Withdrawal
Meranda’s spokesperson, Ganzallo Victor, confirmed the withdrawal of security personnel but could not explain the reason behind the decision.
Victor said, “We don’t know why the authorities have done that, but all the police officers and other security details attached to her have been withdrawn. She’s on her own at the moment.”
In contrast, sources confirmed that all security aides assigned to Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker, have been reinstated.
“They have restored all Obasa’s security aides as of this morning,” a source close to him stated.
The withdrawal of Meranda’s security comes at a critical moment in the Lagos Assembly crisis, raising concerns about political maneuvering and the safety of key figures in the state legislature. It remains to be seen whether Meranda will yield to pressure and resign or continue to fight for her position.