PYF Pens Open Letter To Gov Sanwo-Olu, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, GAC & LAHA Members

We, the Progressive Youth Frontiers, a duly registered and recognized youth group of APC in Lagos State are compelled to address the current Speakership tussle between Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda. This crisis has raised concerns about the potential consequences on our state’s stability and true practice of democracy as we so claim and brag about.

As young people from Lagos State and in Lagos State, we are concerned about the effects of this crisis on our state’s image and the possible ripple effect on other states in Nigeria. We request that you act quickly to prevent further escalation which will pose serious challenges to law, order and peaceful coexistence even amongst our faithful party members and the general public. As youth, which comprises of the largest body of residents in the party and in the State, we call for total and absolute peace in the Lagos State House of Assembly as it is the only house of common for all 40 state constituencies, that give room to have our voices heard and concerns passed across to the necessary and appropriate bodies or organs of government speedily and with assurance of getting adequate attention.

The events that have unfolded in the last six weeks have heightened suspicion and created doubt regarding the prospects of our state’s legislative independence,upon which true democracy thrives. The progress of our state cannot be stagnated by petty internal strife. Lagos State has been an epitome of excellence and stability, and we need to ensure this is the case at all cost.

Sadly, this is not a unique case. Other regions in Nigeria have had similar Speakership battles with very adverse effects unfortunately. Take for example the crisis that occurred in 2019 in the Edo State House of Assembly, which resulted in the removal of the then Speaker, Rt. Hon. Justin Okonoboh. This culminated into a crisis which brought about an unstable assembly full of power fights.

Also, in 2018, the Kogi State House of Assembly had a Speakership scuffle that resulted in the removal of Rt Hon. Momoh-Jimoh Lawal. This particular event gave rise to immense conflict and law-suits.

In Imo State, the tussle between the two speakers, Hon. Emeka Nduka and Hon. Chiji Collins brought forth legal battles, and the eventual removal of Hon. Collins from office. The latter paralyzed the workings of the Imo State House of Assembly for some months.

There has also been a tussle for the seat of the Speaker in River State which has taken a new dimension with the shifting of 27 legislators from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC). The most recent ruling of the Supreme Court has affirmed the reinstatement of the Amawhule’s camp.

This shocking occurrences in Lagos State poses great challenges for the political equilibrium of the state and puts the future of the state in serious questioning. This conflict is symptomatic of the broader persistent crisis which impacts Nigeria at large, with many battles similar in nature being fought in several other states.

Furthermore, according to APC Chieftain, Ogboni Fouad Oki, who said the speakership remains to be contended within the Lagos House of Assembly, on this issue and, in his words, “I urge you to consider the implications of prolonging this discord. Let us not allow our internal disagreements to overshadow the greater goal of serving the people of Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.”

As concerned youths of the party and Lagos State, we do not want a situation where Lagos State would mirror those states previously mentioned. We ask that, without delay, the measures needed to settle the crisis be initiated so that sanity and order would return to the House of Assembly and our state at large.

To achieve this, we suggest the following steps:

1. Establish a body that will examine the claims levelled against Hon. Obasa and decide whether his impeachment was justifiable or not.

2. Foster Communication between Rt. Hon. Obasa and Rt. Hon. Meranda with the aim of finding amicable solutions to the disputes and peace to the crisis at hand.

3. Guarantee sufficient protection to Rt. Hon. Meranda while ensuring that proceedings in the Assembly are done in a calm atmosphere.

4. Furthermore, it is our collective view that Rt. Hon. Obasa and Rt. Hon. Meranda should both resign their positions as Speaker in order to enable the transfer of the Speakership position to Lagos West Senatorial District. This action will bring about harmony in the Assembly while also ensuring balance and equal representation across the various Senatorial districts within Lagos State.

5. The entire assembly members should see the need of having the Speaker from Lagos West as not being against their wish, but to ensure the balance of political distribution. We all know that having a Governor and Deputy from same senatorial district would be an impossible dream, same reason should be used to why Lagos West should not be excused from the power distribution in Lagos State.

Allow us to remind you that, Lagos State has been and still is the pace-setter and trend-setter in Nigerian politics and whatever trend emerges in Lagos State tend to be adopted or becomes a culture in other states. This is why it is very important for us to manage this crisis in question in a manner that is peaceful, democratic and timely.

Let us urge you to give more attention to our suggestions and help resolve this issue in a manner that brings sustained peace to the State. We believe that under your leadership, and with your willingness to promote peace and stability in the Center of Excellence with over 25 million people, we can surpass this daunting challenge.

We look forward to receiving your feedback and would appreciate your swift action.

Sincerely yours,

*Prince Daniel Akoteyon Peters,*

*Coordinator,*

*Lagos State.*

*Comrade Olayinka Oduntan,*

*Secretary,*

*Lagos State.*