The Office of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has condemned the sudden withdrawal of security aides assigned to the Speaker and the Assembly complex, calling it an alarming and dangerous development in the state’s political landscape.
In a statement issued by Victor Ganzallo, Special Adviser on Information to the Speaker, the move was described as an unprecedented act with serious implications for governance and security
The statement, titled “Hostile Takeover: Police Withdrawal from Lagos House of Assembly and Intimidation of Speaker Mojisola Meranda Signals a Dangerous Shift in Lagos Political Dynamics,” raised concerns over the motivation behind the action.
According to Ganzallo, “Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda was duly elected by her colleagues, and her leadership was reinforced with a strong vote of confidence. The timing of the security withdrawal, coupled with the hostile actions of the former Speaker and his associates, raises serious questions. Is this politically motivated, or part of a larger strategy to destabilize the current administration?”
He also suggested that the gender dynamics in politics could be a factor, stating, “Could this act of aggression reflect deep-seated bias against female leadership? Is Rt. Hon. Meranda’s position as a woman Speaker being used to justify such intimidation and disruption?”
Ganzallo linked the development to an ongoing internal power struggle following the removal of the former Speaker, suggesting that it was a calculated move to weaken Meranda’s leadership and create instability.
“We demand an immediate clarification from both the police and the state government on their roles in this matter. The absence of security for top officials raises serious concerns about the safety of public officeholders in Lagos. If such intimidation can occur at the highest levels, what protection exists for ordinary citizens?” he added.
The Speaker’s office has called for a full investigation and accountability from all involved parties, stressing that such actions must not go unchallenged.
