35 Lagos lawmakers attend court hearing, Assembly condemns invasion of its premises on Thursday
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
All but one of the 36 lawmakers in the Lagos State House of Assembly who impeached Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker last month arrived the Lagos High Court on Friday for hearing in the litigation filed by the ousted man.
Obasa filed the lawsuit to challenge his removal on January 13 by 36 of the total lawmakers in the Assembly.
In the application dated February 12, filed by his lawyer Afolabi Fashanu SAN, the plaintiff claimed that he was impeached while he was out of the country.
Lawyers for new Speaker Mojisola Meranda include Tayo Oyetibo SAN, the lead counsel
Lawyers for the other lawmakers include seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) – Olu Daramola, Femi Falana, Muiz Banire, Abimbola Akeredolu, Dada Awosika, Dayo Amokaye, Mofe Oyetibo – as well as Olumide Oyewole and Wunmi Okeremi.
At the time of filing this report, the lawmakers had taken their seats preparatory to the commencement of proceedings, per Vanguard.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has condemned what it described as an invasion of its complex on Thursday in a statement issued by Assembly spokesman Steve Ogundipe.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to bring to the attention of Lagosians, Nigerians, and the global community an incident that occurred on Thursday, involving an unsanctioned attempt to convene a plenary session by the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, alongside three members,” the statement said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace – an essential symbol of legislative authority.
“None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only 5 out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect.
“As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance.
“Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of the Speaker, Mrs. Mojisola Meranda, who continues to demonstrate dedication to the service of Lagosians.
“Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues.”
The Assembly said it aligns with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) finding a constructive resolution of misunderstandings and will continue to work in the interest of Lagosians.
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