Obasa emerges speaker of Lagos assembly

Mudashiru Obasa, the lawmaker representing Agege constituency 1 in the Lagos state house of assembly, has emerged speaker of the assembly.

Obasa was elected on Monday during the inauguration of the eighth assembly.

Olanrewaju Oshun of Mainland constituency 2 moved the motion for his nomination, which was seconded by Sola Giwa of Lagos Island constituency 2.

A fourth-term lawmaker, Obasa was chairman of the committee on budget and appropriation in the seventh assembly.

Ganiyu Abiru, clerk of the house, administered oath of membership and allegiance on Obasa and Wasiu Esinlokun of Lagos Island constituency 1, his deputy.

Abiru also coordinated the swearing of all other members of the assembly.

In his acceptance speech, Obasa expressed appreciation to his colleagues for electing him, saying he would work hamoniously with the executive and judicial arms of government to move the state forward.

“It gives me one of the greatest honour and privilege of my life to stand before you as the elected speaker of the 8th Lagos state assembly being the pinnacle of every state parliamentarian,” he said.

“Let’s keep Lagos working, this is the most important job of our employers – the people – if we fail from keeping Lagos working, then we would have failed on this job individually and collectively.

“We are stewards of the public trust and our employers have given us the mandate of keeping Lagos working

“A mandate to steer Lagos in the direction of greater opportunities, prosperity and development, our people do not want to listen to excuses, they want to see Lagos where dreams are achieved.”

Obasa said the house would be guided by the principle of separation of powers and would not encroach on both executive and judiciary functions.

On his part, Akinwunmi Ambode governor of the state, charged lawmakers to make laws that would better the lot of Lagosians.

“I urge you to maintain close relationships with your constituencies, as their servants, their opinions must always count,” he said.

“This is the only way that their aspirations can be gauged and harmonised into laws and policies.”

Ambode also sought the support of the lawmakers, adding that he would ensure that all policies of government were legitimised in the hallowed chambers.

“I will work and collaborate with you and also respect your views and opinions, irrespective of the party you represent,” he said.

“While we must recognise the principle of separation of powers, a cornerstone of the presidential system of government, it is significant to also recognise the imperatives of inter-dependence among the three arms of government.

“We shall have our moments of differing opinions and views, however, when such occur, they must always be resolved quickly and in the best interest of our people.”

Other principal officers emerged on voice vote. They are: Sanai Agunbiade, Ikorodu 1, (majority leader); Muyiwa Jimoh Apapa 2, (deputy majority leader); Rotimi Abiru, Shomolu 2 (chief whip); and Omotayo Oduntan, Alimosho 2 (deputy whip).

The assembly has 40 members – 32 APC and 8 PDP.