Civil society platforms under the aegis of the Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) say Lagos State House of Assembly must be allowed to exercise unfettered freedom in conducting legislative business.
Speaking on behalf of rights groups at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos, Mr Alex Omotehinse, President of CHSR, urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and Governance Advisory Council (GAC) to back the new speaker.
There have been a lot of controversies since Jan. 13 when the former Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, was removed from office over alleged misconduct.
Obasa (APC-Agege 1), a sixth-term lawmaker, was removed by lawmakers on Jan. 13 and the assembly subsequently elected and swore-in Deputy Speaker, Meranda (APC-Apapa I) to replace Obasa.
Since then, the APC leadership, especially members of the GAC have expressed divergent views and opposition to the leadership crisis, with rumours in some quarters that Meranda would be removed from office.
Reacting, Omotehinse said: “We would like to reiterate that the Choice of speakers is prerogative of members of the house.
“We call on stakeholders in the democratic process to demand protection for the new speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda must not be intimidated or harassed to abandon the cause of democracy and the independence of the legislative assembly.
“Being the first woman to be chosen as speaker of LAHA in over five decades of the existence of the state, we strongly believe that her choice is a good omen that would deepen inclusivity, transparency and democratic freedom in Lagos State.
“We call on members of the house to remain united behind the new speaker who must reciprocate the confidence repose in her with diligence and commitment to legislative excellence for which LAHA is reputed.”
According to the rights activist, those who are still unpersuaded that members of LAHA should be allowed to exercise their democratic freedom should desist from plotting against genuine democracy which the recent event in the assembly perfectly signifies.
He said that attempt to return Obasa back as speaker by party hierarchy would a huge disservice to democracy and most unwarranted assault on the collective integrity of Lagos residents and the generality of the electorate.
Omotehinse said that the activists and Lagos residents were indeed glad that Lagos Assembly had fully returned to legislative business after more than 3 weeks of unnecessary apprehension.
“LAHA members must be allowed to exercise unfettered freedom in conducting legislative business!
“The speaker chosen by the majority of members must be allowed to preside over the business of the house without intimidation or harassment!!
“Democracy must not be trampled or surrendered. CHSR and partners will continue to monitor the situation at the LAHA,” Omotehinse said.
He urged Meranda “not to be distracted by detractors and selfish interlopers undermining democracy by seeking to upturn popular legislative decisions that became expedient in the desire to move the legislative assembly forward.”
He said that the CHSR remains convinced that democracy could only succeed when the collective interest of the overwhelming majority was not subsumed under the selfish agenda of individuals or groups of individuals.
He urged all stakeholders, including Obasa to give peace a chance and allow the new speaker the opportunity to preside over the affairs of the house in line with the decision of the majority.
