GAC Endorses Meranda as Lagos State Speaker

Barely 24 hours after being sworn in as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda has received the endorsement of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The GAC, recognized as the highest decision-making body of the APC in Lagos State, officially supported Meranda’s emergence during a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina.

This endorsement follows the impeachment of former Speaker Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, who was removed over allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. At the meeting, Meranda sought the support and cooperation of the council members to ensure her success in office.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Meranda said:
“We briefed the GAC about what transpired at the State House of Assembly and sought their blessings, which we have received.”

The GAC leadership, led by Tajudeen Olusi, declined to comment publicly after the meeting. However, it was noted that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had traveled out of the country for an official engagement.

Sanwo-Olu Distances Himself from Obasa’s Impeachment

Addressing rumors of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s involvement in Obasa’s impeachment, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, dismissed the claims. Akosile reiterated that Sanwo-Olu remains committed to the principles of separation of powers and does not interfere in legislative matters.

He said:
“The Governor is a democrat and a complete gentleman who does not meddle in political skirmishes. His focus has always been on advancing the state’s development and not on unproductive political disputes. The House’s action was purely a legislative decision.”

Former Minister Reacts to Obasa’s Impeachment

Retired Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, former Minister of Communications and Alternate Chairman of the Board of Trustees of De Renaissance Patriots, described Obasa’s impeachment as an inevitable outcome of his actions.

In a statement, Olanrewaju said:
“Karma is the law of cause and effect. The former Speaker made choices that overstepped political boundaries, leading to his downfall. In Lagos, political power lies with the power brokers and kingmakers, and ignoring this reality can have dire consequences.”

He emphasized the importance of empowering the IBILE indigenous people of Lagos State, stating that leadership should be passed to capable indigenes to foster better management and unity.