Obasa: I remain speaker… no impeachment in Lagos assembly

Mudashiru Obasa, the impeached speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly, has criticised the procedure that led to his removal from office.

Obasa spoke on his removal in the presence of his supporters at the speakers’ lodge at Joel Ogunnaike street, Ikeja GRA, on Saturday morning.

The former speaker rejected allegations of financial misappropriation levelled against him by lawmakers, describing them as “impossible”.

He argued that the house did not adhere to constitutional processes in removing him from office.

“I am not disturbed; I am not afraid of the developments that happened at the assembly,” Obasa said.

”I believe in removal; there’s no impeachment in the assembly. You cannot impeach (the) speaker. Probably, there’s a mistake from them. You can only remove the speaker.

“And if you must remove (the speaker), you must ensure you follow the rules of the game. I am not afraid to be removed; what else am I looking for if I’ve served as speaker, and member of the house of assembly since 2003 up till date? So, what is the problem?

“I believe strongly that I’m still the speaker until the right thing has been done.”

Obasa was removed on January 13 while out of the country. Lawmakers accused him of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda, his deputy, was elected as the new speaker of the assembly.