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Tag: Lagos Assembly

  • Lagos Assembly condemns actions of suspended Clerk

    Lagos Assembly condemns actions of suspended Clerk

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has condemned the unauthorised entry of suspended Clerk, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, into the Assembly premises following his suspension announcement on Jan. 13

    The Assembly’s Chief Security Officer, Mr Kabir Kushoro, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday.

    Onafeko was suspended on the House floor by a two-thirds majority of members over alleged financial misappropriation.

    The National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos on Thursday sacked the acting Clerk, Babatunde Ottun, who was appointed by Speaker Mojisola Meranda.

    The court subsequently ordered the reinstatement of Onafeko as the Clerk of the House.

    The claimant in suit number NICN/LA/23/2025 sought an interim injunction restraining six defendants from appointing anyone, including Babatunde, as Clerk.

    This order remains in effect pending the hearing of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction already filed in the case.

    Granting the application, Justice M. N. Esowe issued an ex parte order preventing Babatunde from parading himself as Clerk.

    “The parties shall maintain peace and status quo ante bellum until the motion on notice is heard and determined,” Esowe ordered in a ruling.

    In his statement, Kushoro said Onafeko arrived with unknown men and blocked the Assembly staff gate with his car at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

    He further alleged that Onafeko later attempted to break into the Clerk’s office.

    “This act of defiance constitutes a clear disregard for legislative protocols and security regulations.

    “The House leadership views this action as an affront to the institution’s integrity and will take all necessary steps to uphold discipline and order.

    “Onafeko has a pending suit against the Assembly, the Acting Clerk, and the State Government. He should focus on the legal process instead of disrupting Assembly activities,” Kushoro said.

    Kushoro confirmed that relevant authorities had been informed, and necessary measures were being taken to prevent further security breaches.

  • Lagos Assembly reacts over reports on mass defection of lawmakers

    Lagos Assembly reacts over reports on mass defection of lawmakers

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has debunked a media report  claiming  that 27 members are planning to defect from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition Labour Party (LP).

    The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, debunked this in a statement in  Lagos on Wednesday.

    Ogundipe described the publication as false, misleading and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.

    He said that the report  served no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the people of the state.

    The committee chairman said that the recent developments in the House, including the removal of the erstwhile Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and the election of Mojisola Meranda as the new Speaker, were purely internal matters.

    According to him, these actions were carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended.

    “These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party. We emphasise, without any ambiguity, that no member of the assembly is contemplating defection.

    “We were elected under the leadership of the ruling party, the ruling party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of the state.

    “The falsehood being spread originates from agents of destabilisation who seek to create unnecessary tension and division within the assembly.

    “To our party leaders and supporters across the state, we assure you that all members remain committed to the party,” he said.

    Ogundipe said that any internal disagreements within the House would be resolved amicably, through peaceful and democratic mechanisms.

    He called on all media partners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication, advising against reports that could mislead the public.

  • Lagos Assembly reacts to alleged involvement of Remi Tinubu in speakership tussle

    Lagos Assembly reacts to alleged involvement of Remi Tinubu in speakership tussle

    Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have denied an online report alleging that the ongoing speakership crisis is linked to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, made the clarification in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that chaos erupted at the Assembly on Monday as lawmakers and staff clashed with DSS personnel upon their arrival.

    The Assembly complex was shut for several hours before legislative staff forced open the chamber’s doors, resuming activities under tense circumstances.

    In a statement issued later, the Assembly condemned the presence of armed DSS operatives, stating it undermined its sanctity and obstructed lawmakers from performing their duties.

    Reacting to the allegation, Ogundipe said no member of the Assembly would accuse the First Lady of involvement in legislative affairs or attempt to tarnish her reputation.

    He said; “We firmly state that the First Lady has no role in any internal disagreements within the House. Any attempt to link her to these issues is unfounded.

    “The attention of the Lagos Assembly has been drawn to a misleading report circulating online. The report falsely claims that the First Lady is influencing internal House matters.

    “We categorically dissociate all members of the Lagos State House of Assembly from this baseless allegation. The report is entirely fabricated and has no truth whatsoever.

    “All members of the Assembly hold the First Lady in the highest regard. As a former First Lady of Lagos State and now the First Lady of Nigeria, she has made significant contributions to governance and national development.”

    Ogundipe urged the press, as key stakeholders, to uphold journalistic integrity by verifying information before publication.

    He emphasised that responsible journalism requires seeking the truth and ensuring reports are accurate and balanced.

  • Atiku demands investigation into take over of Lagos Assembly

    Atiku demands investigation into take over of Lagos Assembly

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough investigation into a viral video showing armed security personnel at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    Abubakar, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, described the action of the security agencies as an assault on the country’s democracy.

    He said that it was bewildering that the security operatives reportedly had a mandate to enforce a leadership change in the assembly.

    The former vice-president said that the action on the state’s foremost legislative body was capable of putting the country’s hard-earned democracy in jeopardy.

    “This act is an attack on the sanctity of democracy and a landmark of indignity to the Nigerian electorate, especially the people of Lagos.

    “Whatever may have caused the leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly is an undercurrent that is not abnormal in a system of democracy.

    “The purported invitation of armed security operatives for a conflict resolution in a parliament is an anathema that should be frowned upon and interrogated with all sense of urgency,” he said.

    Abubakar urged President Bola Tinubu to focus on addressing the present challenges in the country.

  • Lagos Assembly backs Meranda as Speaker

    Lagos Assembly backs Meranda as Speaker

    Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday in Ikeja passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Mojisola Meranda as the substantive Speaker.

    The lawmakers passed the resolution through a voice vote after Oladipo Ajomale (Oshodi-Isolo 2) moved a motion affirming the Assembly’s trust in Meranda’s leadership.

    Ajomale stated that Meranda was elected by the lawmakers in line with the Nigerian constitution and other relevant laws.

    “This House has elected you, and we believe in your leadership as Speaker. We will demonstrate it here live.

    “So it can be clear to all that this decision was made by duly elected members of the State House of Assembly.

    “It is on this note that I ask members to affirm their vote of confidence in Madam Speaker by raising their hands,” Ajomale said.

    Aro Moshood seconded the motion before all the members voted in favour.

    Meranda thanked her colleagues for their unwavering support for her speakership.

    NAN reports that all lawmakers present raised their hands to support the motion moved by Ajomale.

    The House then adjourned plenary indefinitely after passing the vote of confidence.

    According to reports, tension grew at the Assembly on Monday as legislative workers protested against alleged plans to remove Meranda as Speaker.

    Legislative workers also clashed with DSS operatives, who stormed the Assembly early Monday and sealed Meranda’s office, along with that of her Deputy and the Clerk.

    Earlier, armed security personnel took over the complex at Alausa, Ikeja, causing palpable tension among lawmakers and workers.

    The Assembly has been in crisis following the removal of the former Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, over alleged abuse of office.

    On Friday, Obasa dragged the Lagos Assembly and the Speaker before the Lagos High Court to challenge his removal.

  • DSS deviated from original intent – Acting clerk clarifies invitation to seal off Lagos assembly

    DSS deviated from original intent – Acting clerk clarifies invitation to seal off Lagos assembly

    The office of the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly has denied claims that the Assembly invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to take over the premises.

    TheNewsGuru recalls that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the early hours of Monday, February 17, 2025 invaded the assembly complex, confronting legislative workers, leading to pandemonium.

    In a video that surfaced on social media, captures moment the DSS officials, dressed in black jackets and helmets and armed with weapons, engaged in a heated struggle with workers at the chamber’s entrance, disrupting proceedings.

    Reacting to the development, the Acting Clerk of the house disclosed that ‘‘the assembly called upon security agencies to ensure security, help maintain order and not seal off offices.”

    In a letter dated February 14, 2025, with reference number LSHA/FAD/0/7554/323, signed by the Acting Clerk of the House, A. Ottun, the speaker’s office reached out to security agencies in Lagos about “credible intelligence that indicated plans to forcibly reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, 2025.”

    The office highlighted that such an attempt presented “a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.”

    Reports indicted that the letter was sent to the DSS Director in Lagos and the heads of other security agencies in the state.

    It read in part: “Urgent: Enhanced Security Measures for LSHA Premises,” the letter stressed the urgent need to prevent any security breaches at the Assembly.

    “The impeached Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on February 18, 2025, as the Speaker, poses a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members.

    “We kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, February 16, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and as well observe strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.

    “We look forward to your prompt attention Sir. Thank you.”

  • Why we invaded Lagos Assembly – DSS

    Why we invaded Lagos Assembly – DSS

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has explained its involvement in the security takeover of the Lagos State House of Assembly earlier today.

    Clarifying, the DSS in a statement on Monday stated that its presence was requested by the Assembly itself.

    According to the state police, the Assembly in a letter dated February 14, 2025, sought for additional security due to potential threats.

    The letter, signed by Acting Clerk Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, cited credible intelligence suggesting plans to forcefully reinstate the impeached Speaker on February 18, 2025.

    It stated, “The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February, 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and observing strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.”

    DSS Assures Public Of Neutrality

    The DSS noted that its deployment was to ensure order and protect Assembly members, emphasizing that its actions were based on the lawmakers’ request and not driven by external influence.

    The security body further reiterated its commitment to upholding security and order without bias.

    This development follows days of tension at the Assembly, where legislative workers clashed with security personnel amid the ongoing leadership tussle between Speaker Mojisola Meranda and impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa.

  • Lagos Assembly tasks Sanwo-Olu on ‘Detty December’

    Lagos Assembly tasks Sanwo-Olu on ‘Detty December’

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct relevant agencies  to expand the annual “Detty December” celebrations in the state.

    The House passed the  resolution at the end of the plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda, in Ikeja on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that Detty December refers to the festive period at , typically from mid-December through the New Year,when parties ,shows and celebrations are  held in different parts of the state.

    It is a time when many Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora, return home to celebrate with family and friends.

    Speaking during plenary,Meranda  said there was the need to institutionalise the celebrations  and  maximise the publicity of events during the period,  emphasising the need for improved traffic management.

    The speaker advocated local governments  participation , to  decentralise and broaden the benefits of Detty December.

    She suggested that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) employ additional personnel for the festive season, creating temporary jobs for residents.

    Earlier,Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) ,who raised the motion , highlighted the significant revenue generated from the 2024 Detty December celebrations.

    Elliot said the report from the anniversary indicated that hotels earned approximately 44 million dollars, while short-term rental services recorded 13 million dollars,totaling about 71.6 million dollars.

    In his comment, Mr Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) noted that Lagos had the necessary infrastructure and an enabling environment to attract tourists and visiting family members.

    Yishawu, ,however ,called for a coordinated events calendar and  development of an iconic tourism site in the state to expand the activities of Detty December and boost tourism.

    Contributing, Mr Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) argued that Detty December contributed to crime reduction through engagement of  potential offenders in recreational activities.

    Also, Mr Sa’ad Olumo (Ajeromi 1) emphasised the state’s commitment to promoting culture, security, and business growth.

  • Lagos Assembly denies awarding N17bn contract for gate project

    Lagos Assembly denies awarding N17bn contract for gate project

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has described as  unfounded the  allegation made by an anti-corruption coalition  that  it  awarded  a N17bn contract  for the  construction of  the Assembly’s gate.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Mr Stephen Ogundipe ,made the clarification in a  statement in Lagos on Thursday.

    An anti-corruption  group Lagos State Anti Corruption Coalition had recently written  the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the House  leadership for  awarding the  gate contract.

    Reacting, Ogundipe described the  petition as frivolous,saying it was designed to discredit the House for political goals.

    The chairman said the gate project at the Assembly had been executed  over three years ago, adding that there was no recent project like that at the House of Assembly .

    He said it was worthwhile to let the group know that  though the Assembly had its own procurement unit, it still relied on the state government’s procurement process from start to finish.

    According to him, it is  preposterous to think that in Lagos, contracts are like witchcraft and its nocturnal posting.

    “For a few days now, there have been some attempts to bring to disrepute the exemplary successes of the Assembly and its leadership.

    “Our silence over some of the issues raised by a group which tags itself as the Lagos State Anti-Corruption Coalition, a hitherto unknown body claiming to be fighting corruption, does not amount to consent.

    “However ,because we did not want to glorify what looked like information sourced from a beer parlour or joint with a response, we feel the need to lay the facts bare because of the regard we have for Nigerians and the belief in posterity.

    “The Lagos State House of Assembly is an institution that bases its activities on facts and realistic evidence, not grapevine as put forward by the fictional group.

    “For instance, how will any person or group even imagine that such a humongous amount as N17 billion could be allocated for the construction of ‘a gate’? Just one gate?

    “Even if the gate is made of gold, would it cost such an amount? To the group that decided to rush to the public without thinking through or double-checking what it said it sourced through ‘grapevine’.

    “It is good to know that there was no project like that at the House of Assembly as claimed. The gates at the House had been fixed over three years ago.”he said.

    The chairman said there was actually no need by the group and its traducers to try to pad up their stories with old allegations that had been adjudicated upon and trashed by the court.

    He accused the group of trying to “lump everything together to create a make-belief in the eyes of the public”.

    Ogundipe reiterated that the Assembly had grown beyond the common standards of excellence, and that residents  would continue to work in harmony for the peace, progress and development of the state.

  • Auditor-General’s Report: Lagos Assembly probes indicted MDAs

    Auditor-General’s Report: Lagos Assembly probes indicted MDAs

    Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday began probing Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) indicted in the 2023 Auditor-General’s Report.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Public Account (State), Mr Kehinde Joseph, made this known when the committee received the first set of government officials summoned to respond to queries raised in the report.

    NAN reports that the exercise is tagged: “Consideration of Y2023 Auditor-General’s Report of the Lagos State Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies”.

    Joseph said that the three-day exercise would cover from Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023, and would review economic activities of all the state’s MDAs.

    The chairman said that heads of indicted MDAs would be requested to clarify issues raised in the report to enhance service delivery.

    According to him, the annual probe  is important.

    Joseph said that the assembly was committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and probity in the management of public funds and other resources.

    He said that the Public Account Committee was  empowered by the 1999 Constitution to review, monitor and supervise  government agencies, programmes and activities.

    “Furthermore, Section 125, subsection 2 and Section 129, subsection 1c of the 1999 Constitution grants the committee the authority to summon any person in Nigeria to give evidence and produce documents.”

    He also said that the Constitution empowered the committee to examine such a person.

    “Therefore, this committee is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability and probity in the management of public funds and resources.

    “It is to ascertain completion, accuracy and reliability of financial transactions, confirm compliance with financial regulations, legislations and accounting standards.

    “The committee will also review the financial performance, the position of each sector, confirm revenue and budget performances of all MDAs,” he said.

    Joseph said the committee would examine capital expenditure budgets and reconciliation of financial records with the oracle system, and assess project management and control system of MDAs in the state.

    He added that the committee would  focus on fixed asset register aimed at ensuring accurate recording and valuation of assets to prevent mismanagement and loss.

    The chairman said that the committee
    would also check  abandoned projects, identifying and resolving stored projects to maximise public investment.

    He said that the essence of the probe was also to investigate and address projects that had been ongoing for an extended period.

    Joseph urged the MDAs to remember that public expectations on them were  high as they had been recognised as a model for probity and accountability in governance by other states.

    He gave the assurance that findings from the probe and recommendations would be compiled and forwarded to the House of Assembly for deliberations.

    The proble is conducted annually by the  committee.