Bola Tinubu has begun exerting pressure on members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to reinstate Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker, just three weeks after his impeachment, which sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.
Over the weekend, the Nigerian leader reportedly urged lawmakers to allow Obasa’s return, arguing that the political cost of his removal could outweigh the benefits of holding him accountable for alleged corruption and abuse of office, according to two sources.
Of the 40-member legislature, all but two belong to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Tinubu has sent instruction that we should start preparing to let him come back,” a senior Lagos politician who participated in a series of meetings this weekend said. “Tinubu said Obasa will spend only a short time before resigning on his terms.”
“We have agreed to let him come back to give him a soft landing that he told us he deserved because of the serious political consequences of allowing this matter to endure,” the politician said anonymously to discuss the minutiae of internal political deliberations. “I would do it differently if you asked me to be the ultimate decision-maker in this matter.”
However, some lawmakers believe his return would be challenging for those involved in his impeachment, particularly those who distributed copies of The Gazette’s report that led to it.
“We fear that bringing him back would be like trying to calm a snake after cutting off its head,” a source said. “Its venom would be even more dangerous.”
A senior political operative in Lagos said that Tinubu had called a meeting in Abuja on Monday, where those still hesitant would be urged to fall in line.
“Many of us have agreed that he should be allowed to return because we can only see the beginning of this fight but not how it may end,” the politician said. ” The meeting is scheduled for Monday, and some of us still in Lagos are already preparing to leave for Abuja.”
On January 13, Mr. Obasa was removed as Speaker after lawmakers discovered that he had embezzled billions from procurement funds meant for vehicles and other items that were never delivered. Lasbat Mojisola Meranda was immediately appointed as his replacement. However, officials said she has seemingly allowed Mr. Obasa to intimidate her in her new role, despite having the support of at least 32 out of the state’s 40 legislators.
READ ALSO: “Canada to Hit US With 25 Percent Targeted Retaliatory Tariffs”, Says Trudeau
Since her inauguration as Speaker on January 13, Ms. Meranda has not been able to move into the official residence on Joel Ogunnaike Street in Ikeja G.R.A. The Gazette learned that Mr. Obasa, who was in the United States during his impeachment, went straight to the Speaker’s Lodge upon arriving in Abuja from Atlanta before making a triumphant return to Lagos. Once back, he denounced his impeachment as illegal and insisted on remaining in office.
“He said he only wanted to enter the official lodge to remove his personal belongings,” a source said. “But he has refused to vacate the premises, and Madam Speaker has been too afraid to take over.”
It remains unclear what role Remi Tinubu played in her husband’s decision to pressure lawmakers into reinstating Mr. Obasa. This came just days after The Gazette reported that the First Lady had intervened to prevent the anti-corruption agency, EFCC, from arresting the embattled politician. However, she stated that an investigation into his handling of public funds in Lagos could continue.
Mr. Tinubu’s efforts to reinstate Mr. Obasa are expected to deepen divisions within Lagos political circles. However, the president’s strong influence over the state’s politics means no lawmaker would dare to openly oppose his directive, a source said.
“Look, some lawmakers are very angry that the president decided to humiliate them like this,” our source said. “But they don’t want to lead any resistance against the president, who is also the party’s leader.”
A presidential spokesman told The Gazette on Sunday morning that he was unaware of any directive from the president to Lagos lawmakers. Both Mr. Obasa and Ms. Meranda declined to comment.
Mr. Obasa met with Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu in Marina on Saturday to finalize plans for his return as Speaker, which could happen as early as next week. An aide to the governor confirmed the meeting but did not provide further details.
Follow Parallel Facts on WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
