New era

In 2010, the World Bank praised the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and described it as a model in sub-Saharan Africa. It acknowledged the Corps’ post-crash response facility among other novelties since its birth in 1988. The United Nations (UN) equally acknowledged the FRSC’s Lead Agency role as well as its creative interventions to tackle avoidable road traffic crashes.

When the Corps celebrated its 25th anniversary under the leadership of Osita Chidoka, the glasses clinked, the drums rolled, celebrating the lead traffic management agency in Nigeria. Leading the toast was the man who midwifed the Corps, former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

He was strongly supported by the then Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C), President Goodluck Jonathan, with Professor Wole Soyinka, pioneer chairman of the FRSC governing council, beating the African bata drum in praise of the feat of the Corps

From across the globe, renowned specialists in traffic management were there to celebrate an agency that the World Bank says is a model for Africa. Some felt and still feel that the Corps can do better in addressing avoidable and irresponsible driving in our country. Both the World Bank and United Nations identified such a lacuna equally.

For the past 37 years of its existence, I have been, not just a keen observer of the tides and waves of this giant organisation, but also an insider, a paid worker, or what is generally known as a Regular Marshal, although now retired. I have been privy to the intricacies, challenges, constraints, hiccups and triumphs of staying relevant in a constantly changing environment.

When we clocked 32 years under the leadership of Boboye Oyeyemi in 2020, it was funfare galore. However, when we clocked 36 years in 2024 under the leadership of Dauda Biu, the red carpets were not rolled while glasses did not click. Neither did the drum beat. There was no toast, only sober and low key events in honour of the FRSC numerous strides despite hiccups.

I recall with nostalgia, the event celebrating the Corps 25th anniversary where, speaker after speaker, described the Corps as a pride. Jonathan as well as Babangida, and other dignitaries eulogised the Corps for helping to shape the face of Nigerian roads from what it was in 1988 when the annual statistics on road traffic crashes was 25,792

According to the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, that data has significantly been reduced over the years. During a media parley to mark 37 years of service, he expressed his elation on the Corps’ stride and recounted the significant expansion from 16 sector commands to 37.

He also recalled the expansion from five Zonal Commands to 12, the movement from its 1st national headquarters in Ibadan to Gbagada in Lagos and the final movement to Abuja in 1992. At 37, we have not just expanded but today, boast of 1,102 operational vehicles.

They comprise 157 administrative vehicles, 754 patrol vehicles, 143 ambulances, and 48 tow trucks, as well as 59 Emergency Ambulance (Zebra) Points. There are also Road Side Clinics (RTC) and National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM .Just recently, the FRSC Mobile Application for real-time reporting and update on traffic situations was recently birthed by the current Corps Marshal. Our social media handles and the 122 toll free number are vital instruments in driving robust engagement with the public.

According to the FRSC helmsman, this growth is a testament to the Corps commitment to its mission. Under his watch, he reeled out the establishment of electronic documents which has improved operational and administrative efficiency, the FRSC sponsored bill on the need for FRSC Armed Squad as well as other innovations to drive down deaths and injuries. Yet, he acknowledged that there is still work to be done.

As we reflect on 37 years of policing our roads, I am elated to have been part of a crop of Nigerians described by Punch Newspaper in one of its editorials as “an assemblage of the best road safety experts in sub-Saharan Africa.” As I reflect on my years in the Corps since porting from the defunct Concord Press Limited over 28 years ago to join the services of the Corps, and God’s divine mercy upon us in striving to meet this mandate, I also reflect on an editorial by ThisDay celebrating the Corps when we clocked 25 years which like the Punch editorial, aptly captures our place in history.

At 25, the FRSC has made more than passing impact on Nigerian road users. The commission’s campaigns have helped in reducing the carnage on our roads and have made travelling by road, especially during festive periods such as Sallah and Christmas, less of a nightmare. So, all factors considered, the investment has been worth it and the creation of the FRSC by the General Ibrahim Babangida regime can now easily be justified.

The FRSC institutional vision aimed at eradicating road traffic crashes and creating a safe motoring environment received great fillip under a former Corps Marshal, Mr Osita Chidoka. He has gone beyond routine administration to focus on the international profile of the agency, institutional capacity-building and operational effectiveness.

 [Leadership]

What started like an internal crisis on January 13, 2025, when 36 lawmakers impeached Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly has now degenerated into a major political crisis unsettling the home base of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Even though he is yet to formally declare his interest in the race, sources say that the development in Lagos could pose some threats to the 2027 second term bid of President Tinubu, who needs all the home support he can get to actualise his ppresidential dream.

It would be recalled that Tinubu did not win Lagos State in the 2023 presidential election, but the dynamics of voting might change significantly in 2027, according to political pundits.

About two years ahead of the 2027 election, alignment and realignment of forces have started even as old foes and friends are reuniting, positioning strategically for the poll.

Politicians across all divides also have their eyes on the race, forming strategic alliances to make their dreams come true.

The are some indications that the northern part of Nigeria,  where President Tinubu made great inroad in 2023, is unhappy with the current administration at the Centre over a number of factors. 

This hint was voiced out by some notable personalities in the region, including former governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

In an interview with ThisDay, a former National Secretary of the defunct Action Congress (AC), Dr Usman Bugaje, described the current All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government as a disaster.

“If you cannot perform, you leave. What is the performance of the budget of 2024 for this particular president? My figure is that the budget performance was only 22 per cent. Do you think these kind of people should be allowed to continue? Now, forget that he’s from the south or the north or from anywhere. For me, wherever he comes from, if he cannot perform, he should leave; simple!” Bugaje made these remarks when referred to El-Rufai’s statement that Tinubu might get the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s treatment in the next round of election.

And it is from this perspective that the crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly may further worsen Tinubu’s stand in the 2027 presidential race as analysts say this could unsettle the machinery which he had deployed for over two decades to help in winning various elections in Lagos State. 

This is despite the vote of confidence recently passed on him by the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) citing his performance in the last two years. But analysts say he needs more than the confidence vote to prosecute his 2027 agenda.

The crisis in the Lagos House of Assembly has also been linked to the jockeying for the 2027 election in the state with several politicians who are members of Tinubu’s political dynasty eyeing the coveted governorship seat with the hope of succeeding Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The impeachment of Obasa on January 13th was considered a move to “clip” the wing of the Speaker who was perceived to be wielding enormous influence in the state’s political firmament, which might work for him in securing the APC’s ticket for the Government House in Alausa.

Obasa was away on vacation in the United States when the lawmakers impeached him and immediately elected his Deputy, Mojisola Meranda as the Speaker.  

Some of the allegations aagainst Obasa were gross misconduct and poor leadership, highhandedness and lack of regard for members, intimidation and suppression of members, including inciting members against one another, misappropriation of funds and lack of transparency, gross abuse of office and privilege; the allegations which he has debunked.

When many people thought his impeachment was a foregone conclusion, Obasa arrived in the country on January 24, 2025, to describe his removal as null and void, saying it did not follow due process.

Amidst the disquiet and anxiety surrounding the impeachment and the leadership turmoil in the House of Assembly, President Tinubu was said to have expressed displeasure over Obasa’s impeachment. Unconfirmed reports said the president even directed that Obasa be reinstated. 

Many keen observers fear that if this impasse lingers, the monolithic force that has always been a force behind the president within the ranks of his associates could be shattered completely. And given that he was unable to win Lagos State in the 2023 presidential election, this development may end up worsening his performance in the 2027 presidential poll.

Added to the fears is the indication of an expected big battle over the 2027 governorship bid in the state even within the APC, with the president’s son, Seyi said to be eyeing the No. 1 Seat.

According to some observers, the president’s inability to keep his home base intact ahead of the 2027 elections may give a wrong signal to his other associates within and outside the South West geopolitical zone.

GAC’s role in crisis

Tinubu was said to have been in the dark over the development and drafted the “GAC” to intervene. The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the highest decision making organ of the APC in Lagos State, is revered by all party members. The members comprising former governors, serving and former 

senators, former deputy governors and other APC leaders, across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas in the state, decide who gets what at every election.

Political observers cannot forget in a hurry how the GAC decided the fate of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and he lost his second term bid in 2019.

The GAC was, however, drafted to intercede in the ongoing impasse in the Lagos Assembly. Part of the group’s tasks, according to feelers, was to see to the reinstatement of Obasa.

But the 36 lawmakers backing Meranda rejected the decision, in what analysts describe as a direct challenge on the authority of the president who is invariably the leader of the party in the state.

Weekend Trust gathered that for the first time, the GAC  failed to resolve a major political crisis because members of the council have taken sides in the matter, and are therefore divided. The GAC has been turned along pro and anti-Obasa lines, it was gathered.

Two GAC members, Chief Muraina Taiwo and Senator Anthony Adefuye had sided with Obasa. They openly spoke against the process of his removal. Inside sources also said several others were backing him.

One of the GAC members who spoke with our correspondent, on the condition of anonymity, however, backed Meranda, reflecting the deep-seated division among leaders of the party.

The GAC member who was asked to comment on the crisis said: “Obasa is just one out of the 40-member House and if your colleagues say they don’t want you, why are you creating problems for us. To me, I think Obasa should just allow peace to reign and stop causing crisis.”

Bisi Akande drafted to resolve crisis

Weekend Trust learnt that when the GAC appear to have failed to resolve the crisis, former national chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State governor, Chief Segun Osoba, both confidants of Tinubu, were drafted to resolve the crisis. They were joined by other leaders, including Rep. James Faleke (Ikeja Federal Constituency), former Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Muiz Banire, among others.

Several meetings held last weekend pointed to the direction of Obasa resuming with the condition that he would resign afterwards to give him a “soft landing.” This, it was gathered from sources, was why his security details were restored by the police to pave way for his return to the House.

Weekend Trust  learnt further that the restoration of Obasa’s details early this week was a pointer to the gentlemen’s agreement which enabled him (Obasa) to storm the House of Assembly on Thursday with his supporters and loyalists. But the Akande-led committee was said to be unable to get the buy-in of other lawmakers to do the president’s rumoured bidding.

Is Tinubu behind Obasa?

Analysts believe the decision of Obasa to storm the assembly in a triumphant move on Thursday was a reflection of the support and green light he got from the top, however, “unpopular” the action might be.

Many lawmakers loyal to Meranda were within the premises of the House when Obasa arrived.

They watched in awe as the drama unfolded, but rejected his return and insisted Meranda remains their Speaker. They said they had decided to move on and there was no going back.

Sources said the decision by the lawmakers not to accept Obasa back was considered an affront to the president, who is widely reported to be in favour of Obasa’s return. “The president wanted a soft landing for Obasa and he doesn’t want him to be rubbished like nobody,” a source said.

The source said in backing Obasa, the president and those in alignment with him consider his popularity as a grassroots politician. In Agege, where he hails from, he is like a tin-god. The Arewa Community adores him and he remains one of the strongest APC leaders in the state, whose popularity the party cannot dispense with.

A chieftain of the party who spoke with our correspondent yesterday said: “The lawmakers insisting Obasa cannot return are actually daring the president. They cannot do such if the president were to be in the state.

“The president is now the father of the nation and that is why he has not spoken openly on the matter. But can these lawmakers confront him if he is in the state? The president said he doesn’t want something and you are saying otherwise. They are actually stepping beyond their boundaries. No doubt the House has its extant rules and regulations guiding its conducts, but the party is supreme and the leadership of the party cannot be challenged for anything”, he said.

Political scientist, Gbade Ojo, said the coup against Obasa was very “ridiculous,” saying he was impeached when he was not available to defend himself.

However, he stated that Obasa’s removal as Speaker might not affect the president’s second term ambition, adding: “The fact that the president is supporting him is still a rumour. The president needs everybody and the election has nothing to do with Obasa”.

Sanwo-Olu’s connection

In all of these, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is the number one political office holder in the state, has been mum as the crisis rages. But he has been fingered as the brain behind the removal of Obasa who, sources claim, has been “disrespectful” to the governor. There were speculations that the governor “mobilised” the lawmakers to carry out the impeachment and the new leadership of the house under Meranda has been paying obeisance to him.

While he has kept mute over the development, it was learnt that his position over the crisis has pitched him against the president to the extent that he has been denied “access” to Tinubu.

Public Affairs commentator, Jide Ojo, believes Obasa’s removal was masterminded by the governor in cahoots with some members of the GAC.

“There is no smoke without fire, and obviously GAC in cahoots with the governor masterminded the removal of Obasa”, he said.

Meranda’s family background, support from colleagues threaten Obasa’s return

The crisis has thrown up the indigene-settlers’ crisis given the background of Meranda as a Princess of Iru land and a sister to the present traditional ruler of Oniru, a first class monarch in the state.

Following the withdrawal of Meranda’s security details, there were reports that those of the Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, were also withdrawn, allegedly in connection with the Lagos Assembly crisis.

The monarch openly celebrated the election of his sister as the first female Speaker of the House of Assembly.

Following Meranda’s election, Oba Lawal wrote on his social media page thus: “I’ve just received the heart-warming news that my sister, Hon. Mojisola Meranda has been sworn-in as the first female speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“I am thrilled & excited that providence has provided her a bigger platform to serve the good people of Lagos State. I pray to Almighty Allah, to give her wisdom, strength and courage to discharge her duties without fear or favour”, he wrote.

Already, the crisis has fuelled an indigene-settler debate with some people claiming that Obasa is originally from Ogun State while the indigenes are siding Meranda, asking her not to resign despite the pressure.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that Meranda’s background has been a pillar for her in the current battle of the speaker position.

“She is not just a princess, she is an indigene of Lagos and she is a woman. Unlike when the governor would be a man and deputy, a woman, today, we have men as governor and deputy governor and the women are happy that her emergence has given the women their place in the top echelon of leadership in the state,” Jide Ojo, an associate professor added.

He, however, advised that the president needs to do a serious fence-mending in order not to truncate his 2027 ambition. He stated that the lawmakers who are against returning Obasa were concerned about their fate in 2027 as well, which explains why the house spokesperson was beckoning on their leaders to meet them directly.

“If they have a promise of a return ticket, they don’t mind throwing Meranda under the bus. They are doing this because they want assurances from their leaders,” he added.

Meranda talks tough

Speaking yesterday, Meranda, described as a show of shame, the plenary conducted on Thursday by the ousted speaker, Obasa, with four members in attendance.

Yesterday, the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, ordered that all members of the Lagos House of Assembly be joined as parties in the suit filed by the ousted speaker.

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro also adjourned till March 7, to hear all pending applications in the matter.

The 35 lawmakers backing Meranda as the speaker were at the court for the hearing of a matter brought by Obasa.

[DailyTrust]

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ‘climbed’ to power in Kano in 2023 with overwhelming grassroots support, riding on the influence of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Kwankwasiyya movement.
But less than two years into its administration, the party is showing signs of internal cracks.

Recent defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), rising internal dissatisfaction, and governance challenges have cast doubt on NNPP’s ability to maintain its dominance in Kano.

On Monday, the Kano State chapter of the NNPP announced the suspension of a senator and three members of the House of Representatives.

The affected lawmakers include Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South), Aliyu Madaki (Dala Federal Constituency), Sani Rogo (Rogo Federal Constituency), and Kabiru Rurum (Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure Federal Constituency).

Hashimu Dungurawa, the party’s state chairman, in an interview with DAILY POST cited disloyalty and non-compliance with party directives as reasons for their suspension.

According to him, the lawmakers repeatedly ignored party activities, including major events organized by both Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Kwankwaso.

“The governor has undertaken several projects in their respective constituencies, yet they never showed up. Kwankwaso organized events in both Kano and Abuja, but they were absent. During our recent nationwide committee meeting, all stakeholders attended except them, and they never offered any explanation,” Dungurawa stated in the interview.

The state chairman further alleged that Sumaila’s actions, including the invitation of key APC figures to his daughter’s wedding and the commissioning of his university projects, demonstrated his lack of commitment to the NNPP.

“The people who fought against him in 2009 and 2023 were present at his events, while those who helped him secure his political position were sidelined. This is why we had to act,” he stated.

However, the suspended lawmakers have rejected the party’s action.

They tagged it an illegitimate decision driven by Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s faction.

In a joint statement on Monday, the lawmakers accused the NNPP leader of running the party like a personal empire.

“Hashimu Dungurawa, a political puppet of Kwankwaso, lacks any credibility to speak on NNPP matters. This so-called ‘suspension’ is nothing but a fraudulent political gimmick designed to deceive the public and distract them from the monumental failures of Kwankwaso’s faction,” the lawmakers declared.

They accused Kwankwaso of using the NNPP as a tool for personal vendettas.

“Politics should be about service, integrity, and development not a tool for dictatorship. Unfortunately, in Kano State, Kwankwaso has turned the NNPP into his personal empire, disregarding party unity and democratic principles.”

Also, on Tuesday, the party’s national leadership, through its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Oginni Olaposi, also rejected the suspension, declaring it “null and void.”

According to Olaposi, the decision was orchestrated by the Kwankwasiyya movement, which no longer holds a formal relationship with the NNPP.

“The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement ended after the 2023 elections. The faction claiming to suspend these lawmakers lacks the authority to do so. We appeal to the people of Kano to disregard their pronouncements,” Olaposi stated.

He also referenced a court ruling that placed the NNPP under the leadership of its Board of Trustees Chairman, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam.

“Kwankwaso and his faction have no legal standing to act on behalf of the party. Their statements are misleading and could cause public unrest in Kano.”

In an interview with DAILY POST on Thursday, Comrade Khatimul Kulkul, Senior Special Reporter to the Kano State Governor from the Ministry of Local and Chieftaincy Affairs, defended the suspension of the lawmakers.

He stated that it was necessary to protect the party from internal crises.

“Internal crises are the most dangerous for a party,” Kulkul said.

“Someone may appear to be with you, but in reality, they are not. Such individuals could be leaking party secrets and agenda to outsiders.”

He explained that the NNPP had come to the realization that the suspended lawmakers and senator were not genuinely aligned with the party’s interests. “If we go into 2027 with them, they will create problems for us. This is why we decided to do away with them now to prepare for the next elections. If we had allowed them to stay, they would have shown their true colors closer to 2027.”

Kulkul also mentioned that despite the defections of prominent figures in the past, the Kwankwasiyya movement has remained strong.

“Aminu Dabo left us, but no matter how prominent Kawu Sumaila thinks he is, he is not at the level of Aminu Dabo, Adamu Yusuf Dangwadima. People who have been with Kwankwasiyya for years. Kawu Sumaila only recently joined and was never originally part of the movement. Many have left before, but that has never stopped us from succeeding.”

He remained confident about the party’s prospects in 2027.

“This will only make us more prepared, and we will put them to shame. The Kwankwasiyya movement will prevail in 2027, just as it has in past elections.

“If you look at the political tide from 2011 until now, there have been crises, deepened politics, inconclusive elections but Kwankwasiyya always prevails because we have a determined leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. And we will put them to shame again.”

Political analysts evaluates party’s ‘journey’ to 2027

An exclusive interview with political analyst, Abba Gwale has revealed growing internal crisis within the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, raising concerns about its readiness for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on the current state of the party, Gwale highlighted the deepening factional struggle between two opposing camps.

“We all know there’s a faction in the party, one led by Dungurawa, who has the backing of the Kano State government, and the other led by Zarewa. But you know, it’s politics; internal issues are bound to arise, especially as we approach the 2027 general elections,” Gwale said.

He noted that the Dungurawa-led faction recently suspended four federal lawmakers from the party.

According to him, this division could weaken the party’s prospects if left unresolved.

“The party is not in a good position heading into 2027 unless they sit down, amend their differences, and prepare for the politicking ahead,” he added.

Is NNPP still trusted in Kano?

Despite these internal challenges, Gwale believes NNPP still enjoys significant support in Kano, largely due to the influence of the Kwankwasiyya movement and the administration’s infrastructural efforts.

“People still trust the party in Kano because it’s new and hasn’t exhausted the patience people have for it. In terms of infrastructural and human development, the NNPP under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is trying,” he explained.

However, he acknowledged that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) remains strong, benefiting from federal influence.

“The APC is still active and enjoys the backing of the federal government. Their leaders, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and former governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are doing everything to maintain relevance in the state,” Gwale stated.

Can APC reclaim Kano in 2027?

When asked about APC’s chances of reclaiming power in 2027, Gwale remained cautious, citing the unpredictability of Nigerian politics.

“We cannot predict the outcome directly, but many unfolding events will play a role. The trust in NNPP and Kwankwasiyya still exists. However, the country’s economic situation could affect APC’s chances in many states, not just Kano,” he explained.

Despite the challenges, Gwale said the APC is already strategizing.

“They still have time to woo voters, and they are doing that now. But unseating an incumbent government is not easy. You need public trust and other political factors to align in your favor,” he said.

Commenting on recent political shifts, Gwale pointed out a significant change on how the opposition is being treated in Kano.

“The state government now allows the opposition to operate freely, something they didn’t enjoy when they were in opposition,” he observed.

However, he warned that the defection of government officials to the opposition is a worrying sign for NNPP.

“When people in government, despite all the benefits of being in power, start leaving for the opposition, then something is not working as it should. We are seeing special advisers resigning and joining the opposition. this is alarming, and they need to address it before it’s too late,” he cautioned.

Auwal Sumaila, a resident in Hotoro revealed to this reporter that the suspension of Kawu Sumaila and other lawmakers will surely affect the NNPP.

“Most people are in the party because of Kawu. So, when he leaves, he is leaving with his people for sure. I will follow him to whatever party he leaves for,” he said.

Recall that the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, revealed that more key figures from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) will soon defect to the ruling party on Sunday during an empowerment program.

According to him, the APC’s policies and governance approach were attracting opposition members.

Also, at the empowerment program, Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), pledged that the NNPP will be defeated in Kano before 1 p.m on election day in 2027.

[Daily Post]

There is no end in sight to the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly as the 35 lawmakers who removed Mudashiru Obasa as speaker insisted that the embattled lawmaker would not be reinstated.

According to the lawmakers, the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, remains the leader of the Assembly despite Obasa’s declaration that he had resumed his position.

Obasa had gone to the Assembly on Thursday after his security details were restored.

He also held a plenary session with four lawmakers.

“I’ve resumed, and I remain the Speaker of the Assembly. I’ve never been removed. Impeachment or removal is democratic and constitutional, but in doing that, you must follow due process. I am not against that. If I do that, then I am not democratic,” Obasa told reporters on the premises of the House.

Obasa’s action came after some notable chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress met with the lawmakers on Monday.

The chieftains, including former governors of Osun and Ogun states, Chief Bisi Akande and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, respectively, alongside Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other party bigwigs, also met with members of the Governance Advisory Council at Marina, Lagos, in a bid to find a solution to the crisis.

According to sources at the meeting, the panel recommended the resignation of Obasa upon his return and that Meranda should also step down to pave the way for another lawmaker from the Lagos West Senatorial District to emerge as Speaker.

However, the arrangement appeared to have collapsed on Thursday following Obasa’s return to the Assembly with new security escorts.

President Tinubu linked to Obasa’s return

There were indications that the presidency supported Obasa’s return to the Assembly, especially with the restoration of his security team.

Saturday PUNCH gathered from an insider among Lagos APC chieftains that Obasa’s return was the outcome of a meeting he held with some party leaders loyal to President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

According to the source, the APC leaders met Obasa at the Lagos House, Marina, and spent hours indoors.

He said, “The meeting started late Wednesday evening and ended in the early hours of Thursday. Around 7am to 8am, you could easily tell from some of Obasa’s close aides that something in their favour was about to happen. The lawmaker’s return to the Assembly, I strongly believe, is a result of the meeting because the APC leaders are some of the right-hand men of Mr President.

“The true story of the Akande-led peace meeting is that the lawmakers rejected the proposal that Meranda should step down. It will also interest you that the lawmakers from Lagos West, whom the panel asked to produce one of their own as Meranda’s replacement, also rejected the offer. They said they were okay with her leadership.

“After persuasion, the lawmakers reluctantly agreed to have Honourable Setonji David as the new Speaker. But you could see the objection on their faces. Obasa and the President must have seen the lawmakers’ reluctance to implement the resolution, hence Thursday’s turn of events.”

Also, an APC leader, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, described Obasa’s return to the Assembly as a “massive political statement.”

“Obasa’s resumption as the Assembly Speaker is a massive political statement in the political squabble. The fact that he held a plenary session in the House suggests that the pendulum is swinging in his favour. Also, by having the full complement of security with him, your guess is as good as mine,” he said.

The APC chieftain, who is a staunch loyalist of President Tinubu, said the GAC might be disbanded, adding that there would be casualties at the end of the crisis.

He said, “The current crisis will mark the end of the influence of the so-called Governance Advisory Council. The fact that they couldn’t resolve the crisis and the President had to bring in a panel of three wise men, typically imported from outside Lagos, undermines the influence and importance of the GAC. The GAC has been found culpable; they are taking sides in this quarrel. Things will never be the same again in Lagos APC.

“With all these developments, I can assure you that the President will be focusing on paying more attention to details in Lagos politics. He has to begin to interrogate the commitment and loyalty of these so-called leaders.”

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, an aspirant in Lagos West, who asked not to be identified due to the nature of the matter, said, “Tinubu’s handwriting on the Lagos Assembly crisis is clear on the wall.”

“Mr President intervened in the crisis between Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, but he wants us to believe that he closed his eyes to what is happening in the Lagos State House of Assembly. We know Obasa has the President’s backing, and that is why he is acting the way he is. If Mr President wants us to believe he is neutral in this crisis, he should come out openly and give a direction on the matter,” he added.

However, Obasa, during an interview on Thursday, said he was acting alone, though he was a loyalist of the President.

Assembly deserted as security operatives take charge

There was heavy security presence at the Lagos Assembly complex on Friday, as operatives from the state police command, task force, and armed mobile policemen secured the premises.

Armed officers stood under the trees lining the three roads leading to the Assembly gate, while others rested inside the numerous security vehicles parked along the roads.

Within the Assembly complex, clusters of policemen sat in groups, maintaining a watchful presence.

At least 25 patrol vehicles from various police divisions were stationed on the road. The pedestrian gate remained shut, with two police officers positioned in front, while a state task force van was placed near the entrance.

Beyond the armed officers at the gate, two Assembly workers were seen inspecting approaching vehicles and redirecting individuals away from the entrance.

Movement was also restricted around the Lagos State Recreation Park, close to the Assembly gate, as a large number of policemen sat in clusters.

A female Assembly staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the heightened security presence began on Thursday but escalated on Friday when the crisis deepened.

“As you can see, the whole complex is quite empty. On a normal day, people would be all over the stairs. I guess what happened on Thursday made people stay away today.

“The security situation here is unusual. It started yesterday, and when we arrived this morning, we saw that the number of officers had doubled. I believe it’s because of the ongoing issue,” she said.

Lawyers clash in court

A mild drama ensued on Friday at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, when two lawyers claimed to be the counsel for the Assembly during the hearing of a suit filed by Obasa to challenge his removal.

Obasa, in suit number ID/9047GCM/2025, filed before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro, is contesting the constitutionality of the House’s sitting and proceedings during a recess, which occurred without the Speaker reconvening the House or delegating the authority to someone else.

His lawyer, Afolabi Fashanu, filed the suit on his behalf.

When the matter was called, Fashanu appeared for Obasa, while Mr Femi Falana, SAN, appeared for the Assembly.

Mr Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, represented Meranda, and Mr Olu Daramola, SAN, represented parties seeking to be joined in the suit.

However, a mild confrontation occurred when another counsel, Abang Mkpandiok, stood up to challenge Falana’s representation of the Assembly.

Mkpandiok claimed that he had been briefed the previous night by the Assembly and had filed a motion for a change of counsel that morning.

He argued that the right to choose counsel was a fundamental human right and asked the court to address his application first.

Mkpandiok told the court that his law firm had been briefed just the day before to represent the House of Assembly in the suit, and he had filed the necessary documents, although they had not yet been served on the parties.

However, Falana objected, stating that he had not been served with the application and remained the counsel on record for the Assembly.

Falana maintained that he was still the authorised lawyer for the first defendant and had not been informed of any decision to change counsel.

Oyetibo also pointed out that he had not been served with the application.

Mkpandiok then chose to serve the application on the other counsel in court.

After reviewing the court’s records, Justice Pinheiro noted that the application for a change of counsel was not yet ready for hearing.

The court said, “As counsel himself has admitted, that application has not been served on all parties. I will defer it pending compliance with the rules of court.”

The court also ruled that the application for an expedited hearing would not be addressed.

During the proceedings, Daramola informed the court of a motion on notice filed by 33 members of the Assembly, who sought to be joined as parties in the suit.

The motion sought two main reliefs: an order to add the individuals seeking to be co-defendants and an order compelling the claimant to amend the originating and other processes to include their names as defendants.

Justice Pinheiro fixed March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications.

My security details yet to return – Meranda

Speaking after the court hearing, Meranda stated that the full complement of her security had yet to be restored.

She said, “I have my people and God with me. Three or four policemen are also with me. Whereas, in my normal convoy, my team comprises two policemen, four DSS, and two anti-bomb operatives. But I don’t have that with me this morning.”

When a reporter asked Meranda, “Can you respond to what happened yesterday when the speaker (Obasa) was at the Assembly…?” she responded by asking, “Which speaker?”

The other lawmakers behind her also joined in querying the reporter.

The reporter retracted, saying, “The removed speaker,” after which Meranda responded to her question.

She said, “I think he (Obasa) is still a member of the Lagos House of Assembly, so he has every right to come. But invasion and breaking into my office is really a big one.”

Meranda declined to comment on whether the House would institute any suit against Obasa for his actions at the Assembly on Wednesday.

She described the plenary held by Obasa on Wednesday as a show of shame.

“To me, that was just a show of shame. Because in our job, we have numbers that form a quorum. So, if you are sitting with three or four members, you’re only doing a drama,” she added.

Meranda said the lawmakers would soon hold their sitting, contrary to Obasa’s declaration that the House had gone on recess.

Also speaking after the court proceedings, the spokesperson for the Assembly, Ogundipe Olukayode, declared that a total of 35 lawmakers, including Meranda, were resolute on the ongoing crisis.

“We are 35 as we speak, including Madam Speaker. The House will reconvene. We are consulting with our leaders, and I know the party is also taking steps. The right thing will be done at the right time. But let’s assure Lagosians that we are still committed to our party, our leadership, and to serving the people of Lagos State.”

In separate interviews with Saturday PUNCH, some other lawmakers urged leaders of the party to respect their decision.

The lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency II, David Setonji, said he was fully in support of Meranda’s leadership.

Setonji, who spoke through his media aide, Posu Davies, said Obasa was rejected and would not return as speaker.

He said, “Meranda is the recognised Speaker. Obasa was rejected, and he is not coming back as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. We are fully in support of Madam Speaker.”

Another lawmaker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Obasa’s action showed that he could no longer be trusted with power, insisting that the ousted speaker was just grandstanding.

A lawmaker, who asked not to be identified for safety reasons, alleged that the President was backing Obasa.

He said, “Obasa cannot be that confident if there is no one backing him. It is President Bola Tinubu who is backing him. The GAC has divided into two; while some support Obasa, others support Meranda. But the larger number supports Meranda.”

A senior legal practitioner, who begged not to be named, said the Federal Government was behind the crisis in the House.

He said, “Where did Obasa get the power to control the police? In the last few days, the DSS director was changed, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos was changed, three House of assembly members were charged. All these point to Abuja.”

GAC, APC react

The Chairman of the GAC, Tajudeen Olusi, said members of the group had already advised the warring parties.

He said, “The GAC is an advisory body, and we have given our advice privately to those involved. What we told them is not meant for the public; the party is in the best position to intervene when things are getting out of hand.”

The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Lagos State, Seye Oladejo, called for peace.

He said, “It is like a quarrel between siblings of the same parents and the parents should not be seen taking sides while trying to make peace. They (lawmakers) were still at the party secretariat yesterday (Thursday) and we are trying to make everybody see reasons that we are all members of the same family.

“While trying to resolve the issue, we are trying to respect the independence of the legislature, so it remains the business of the lawmakers to find an amicable solution and let things return to normal.”

Oladejo denied the involvement of the President in the crisis.