Police withdraw escorts assigned to Meranda
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, is facing growing political tension as all police officers assigned to her and the Assembly complex have been withdrawn.
This unexpected development has left her without security protection, raising concerns about her safety and the stability of the legislative house.
The reason behind the withdrawal remains unclear, as neither the Lagos State Police Command nor the state government has issued an official statement.
The Speaker’s aide, however, confirmed that Meranda is now without security and described the situation as worrisome.
“As we speak, all security has been withdrawn from the Speaker, and she is now on her own,” Ganzallo stated.
He warned that the Speaker is now “vulnerable and open to attack,” emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution to the security lapse.
At the same time, there are indications that Meranda may step down from her position, but only under certain conditions.
Sources revealed that she has agreed to resign but insisted that the process must take place during a plenary session.
The Assembly had previously adjourned indefinitely after 36 out of 40 lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in her leadership.
However, following interventions from leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a resolution was reached that she should step down to allow Lagos West to produce the next Speaker.
Discussions about her possible resignation are still ongoing, with party representatives from Abuja mediating between lawmakers.
Reports revealed that Meranda might return to her former role as Deputy Speaker if she steps down.
Meanwhile, eight lawmakers from Lagos West have been identified as potential candidates to take over the Speakership.
They are:
Setonji David, representing Badagry Constituency 2, Temitope Adewale, representing Ifako-Ijaye 1 Constituency, Kehinde Joseph, representing Alimosho 1, Adedamola Kasunmu representing Ikeja 2, Lukman Olumoh representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun 1, Wale Rauf Sulaimon, representing Mushin constituency 2, Nureni Akinsanya, representing Mushin Constituency 1, and Surajudeen Tijani, representing Ojo 2.
