The political turmoil in the Lagos State House of Assembly reached a fever pitch on Wednesday, as former Speaker Mudashir Obasa vehemently denied allegations of arms being found in his office. Alongside him, Speaker Mojisola Meranda also refuted rumors of her resignation, while the House itself quashed speculations of 27 lawmakers defecting to the Labour Party (LP). In a statement directly authored by Obasa, he labeled the reports as “lies from the pit of hell” orchestrated by his detractors, painting a picture of a targeted character assassination rather than a legitimate concern. This controversy unfolded just two days after the chaotic scene at the Lagos Assembly complex, when the Department of State Services (DSS) inserted themselves into the escalating drama surrounding Meranda’s leadership.
Obasa’s Response: A Sharp Rebuke of Accusations
Obasa, who is actively contesting his impeachment, wasted no time in denouncing the claims of an arms cache discovery as a “hatchet but lazy journalistic story.” He pointed fingers at his accusers, claiming they are trying to tarnish his long-standing reputation with baseless accusations. The Speaker vehemently refuted the alleged uncovering of arms in his office, likening it to a desperate attempt to salvage a sinking ship after realizing the futility of their actions. Drawing parallels to the controversial planted camera at the Lekki Toll Gate following the End SARS protests, Obasa highlighted the lack of logic in the allegations, dismissing them as yet another chapter in his adversaries’ ongoing smear campaign against him.
In a scathing rebuttal, Obasa further highlighted the absurdity of past allegations leveled against him, ranging from constructing a gate for an exorbitant amount to purchasing a single Toyota Hilux truck at an astronomical price. These outlandish claims, according to Obasa, are part of a pattern of sustained misinformation aimed at damaging his standing in the eyes of the public. Through his impassioned response, Obasa sought to debunk the credibility of the allegations and reaffirm his commitment to defending his integrity against what he perceives as a malicious onslaught.
House Committee’s Stand: Refuting Resignation and Defection Claims
Meanwhile, the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security led by Ogundipe Stephen emphatically dismissed the reports of the Speaker’s resignation and the purported defection of lawmakers as “malicious and baseless.” Stephen emphasized that such unfounded rumors only serve to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the citizens of Lagos State. He made it abundantly clear that no member of the Assembly harbors any intention of defecting, firmly refuting any insinuations of disloyalty or political upheaval within the ranks of the legislative body.
As the dust settles on this latest chapter in the ongoing saga gripping the Lagos State House of Assembly, the echoes of denial reverberate through the corridors of power. The conflicting narratives, punctuated by vehement rebuttals and staunch defenses, paint a vivid picture of a political landscape fraught with intrigue and animosity. Whether the truth will ultimately emerge from the shadows of deception or remain obscured by the fog of controversy, only time will tell. But one thing remains certain amidst the chaos: the battle for power and perception rages on, leaving a trail of uncertainty and skepticism in its wake.
