…Describes allegations against him as ‘fictitious, unsubstantiated’
The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has declared that he’s still the speaker until due process are carried out to remove him.
Obasa, who made this known yesterday, when he addressed his large supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge, Ikeja Lagos, said that it was important for the lawmakers to “follow constitutional procedure” to remove him as Speaker.
The former Speaker said his removal was done without following the proper procedures. He alleged that the Commissioner of Police in the state led security agents to invade the Assembly ahead of his removal.
Furthermore, Obasa claimed that his Agege and Ikeja residences were invaded by over 200 policemen, who locked his family indoors. He said, “If I am not Speaker, that’s not the end of the world. If you want to claim that I am corrupt, please prove it.
The former Speaker also debunked the allegations of corruption brought against him by the lawmakers during his removal, describing the alleged financial misappropriations as ‘impossible’. “I am not afraid of being removed as the Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, but the right process was not followed. I believe I am still the Speaker until they follow the right process”, he stated.
Obasa said an innocent person should not be discredited, and that there must be proof of allegations showing exactly what he has done.
Obasa was impeached on January 13 by more than two-thirds of the 40-member legislative house over alleged misconduct and sundry offences. His Deputy, Mojisola Meranda, was immediately elected the new speaker, becoming the first female to take charge of the legislative body in the South-west State.
Obasa, who was away during the impeachment saga, was welcomed back home by his loyalists at his GRA residence in Ikeja, Lagos yesterday.
Responding to questions from newsmen shortly after he addressed his supporters, Obasa insisted that he remained the Speaker. “I strongly believe I am still the Speaker, until the right thing has been done. If you want to remove me, remove me the proper way and I will not contest it. I’m a Muslim, and I believe in fate; but let’s do it the way it should be done”.
When asked if a legal battle is in the offing, Obasa responded: “You will know. It’s a matter of time. Thank you”.
