BREAKING: Meranda Becomes First Female Lagos Speaker After Obasa Impeachment
In a historic political shift, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was impeached today, paving the way for Hon. Mojisola Meranda to be elected as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly. The dramatic turn of events marks a significant milestone in the state’s political history, as Meranda’s rise to the position challenges long-standing gender norms in Nigerian politics.
The impeachment of Obasa, who had held the office for nearly a decade, followed growing allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement within the Assembly. These charges had been subject to public debate for months, with increasing pressure from both the public and opposition lawmakers calling for transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
The impeachment process was initiated earlier this week, with several members of the Assembly demanding a thorough investigation into Obasa’s handling of the Assembly’s finances. After several rounds of deliberations and a vote in the Assembly today, Obasa was officially removed from office by a majority vote of 26 out of the 40 lawmakers present. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the lawmakers for standing up against corruption, while others criticize the move as politically motivated.
In the aftermath of the impeachment, Hon. Meranda, who has served as a member of the Assembly for several years, was unanimously elected as the new Speaker. Her election not only marks a personal triumph but also represents a breakthrough for women in Nigerian politics, where female representation has historically been limited in high-ranking political offices. Meranda, who previously served as the Deputy Speaker, has been praised for her dedication to legislative reforms and her ability to navigate complex political dynamics.
In her acceptance speech, Meranda vowed to continue the work of reforming the Assembly, ensuring transparency, and promoting accountability within the legislative process. She also emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that her election was a testament to the growing role of women in Nigerian governance. “This is not just a personal achievement, but a victory for every woman who believes in the power of hard work, dedication, and resilience,” she said.
Meranda’s ascent to the role of Speaker is expected to bring about new perspectives and changes in the legislative landscape of Lagos State, with many looking forward to her leadership in addressing pressing issues such as infrastructure development, education, and healthcare.
Her election also sends a powerful message about the increasing presence of women in the political sphere in Nigeria, a country where women have historically struggled to gain access to positions of power. The future of Lagos politics may very well be shaped by her tenure, with Meranda standing as a symbol of progress for gender equality in Nigerian politics.
