News

Why I stepped down as Lagos Speaker – Full text of Meranda’s resignation speech

Published

1 week ago

March 4, 2025

The immediate past Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has explained why she opted to resign from the role.

In a speech on Monday, Meranda stated that her decision was driven by the need to preserve the integrity of the legislative institution.

Meranda, who assumed the position of Speaker on 13th January 2025, explained that her tenure was disrupted by leadership disputes that threatened the unity of the House.

She reaffirmed her commitment to continue serving the people of Apapa Constituency 1 and Lagos State at large.

FULL SPEECH

“I wish to let every one of you know that I have made a personal sacrifice towards resolving the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly.

I recognise the role my family has played and continues to play in entrenching democracy, good governance, and the betterment of our people. I will never depart from the well-established path of honor, dignity, integrity, and service as personified by my late father.

Please permit me, dear colleagues, to restate my position as expressed in the newspaper publication, where I stated as follows: It is with heavy responsibility that I wish to resign my position as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly with effect from this day, March 3, 2025.

I took this decision carefully and with firm consideration. On one hand, I accepted the position of Speaker on January 13, 2025, and on the other hand, I resigned the position as it is threatening the democracy of this House.

As good people of Lagos, our mandate is to protect the good people of Lagos State and ensure good governance.

I feel that I have demonstrated leadership and selfless sacrifice by resigning in order to protect these resources that we have suffered to build. With your unwavering support, I take this step to step down as the Speaker of the House of Assembly.

I cherish the solidarity that I have enjoyed and that has been given to me by my honorable members. I do not leave out the management and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly. I want to thank you for your support and collaboration.

As short as it is, this is a memorable event. I need you to permit me to resign as the Rt. Honorable Speaker, and I shall continue to serve my good people of Apapa Constituency 1 in particular and the entire Lagos State in general.

Thank you for finding me worthy to lead this distinguished and honourable Assembly. I am not a quitter; however, I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.

Accordingly, I have agreed to yet again make a personal sacrifice by stepping down as the Speaker of this great Assembly.

Dear distinguished and gallant honourable members of this 10th Assembly, occasionally, we are confronted by overwhelming challenges and conflicts, but as responsible leaders, we must not break down the legislative House that we collectively built in pursuit of justice and fairness.

For those who have been unfairly referred to for standing on the side of fair play, kindly take note that there will always be an opportunity to right any wrong.

I appreciate the spectrum of solidarity that I received through phone calls, messages, and visits throughout my short tenure.

I sincerely thank you for your understanding and support, just as we know that party decisions are supreme.

At this point, I take a bow as your Speaker, and I step down as your Speaker for this great House.

God bless you.”

News

Benue Protest: Police arrests two ring leaders for culpable homicide

Published

39 minutes ago

March 12, 2025

Seyi Babalola

The Benue State Police Command said it has arrested two ring leaders in connection with the violent protest and destruction of properties in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area LGA of Benue state.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP. Steve Yabanet, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) CSP Catherine Anene and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Wednesday.

The Commissioner said they are being charged for culpable homicide, destruction of property in Naka.

The statement said that “On 11/03/2025 at about 0900hrs information was received from Naka Police Division that some youths were protesting at Naka, the headquarter of Gwer-west Local Government Area.

“In response to this information, the Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve Yabanet swiftly moved to the area in company of other heads of security agencies and Security Adviser to the Governor of Benue state, Col. Alexander Ashungyu (rtd) to assess the situation and take necessary actions.

“Upon arrival at the scene, It was gathered that some suspected herders had attacked and killed three youths in the area.

“Consequently, the youths mobilized themselves for a protest that eventually became violent and led to the destruction of the local government secretariat, Ter Nagi’s palace and properties of other prominent sons of Gwer-west.”

According to him, the increased presence of police teams assisted the division to put the situation under control while two ring leaders of the youth were arrested and investigation is on going.

While commiserating with family members and friends of the youths that lost their lives, the CP condemned the killing and promised to bring perpetuators to book.

The CP also condemned the destruction of property by the youth and assured victims of the mischief that justice will be served.

CP Yabanet advised citizens to go about their lawful businesses as increased security presence in the area is meant to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

News

Rivers Crisis: Lawmakers Locked Fubara Out Of Assembly

Published

2 hours ago

March 12, 2025

Sunday Osanyintuyi

Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, was on Wednesday prevented from accessing the Rivers house of assembly quarters in Port Harcourt to present the 2025 budget.

When Fubara and his entourage arrived at the entrance of the building, the gates were locked.

The assembly quarters serve as the chamber for the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers assembly, which is loyal to Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT).

Fubara and Wike have been locked in a supremacy battle over control of the political structure of the state.

The rift led to the polarisation of the Rivers assembly.

In December 2024, the governor presented a 2025 budget proposal of N1.1 trillion to the Victor Oko-Jumbo-led state house of assembly which is loyal to him.

Speaking to journalists at the entrance of the locked assembly quarters, Fubara said he had come to the quarters in compliance with the supreme court judgment on the Rivers political crisis.

“I am here this morning with a few members of the state executive council to comply with the supreme court judgment,” the governor said.

“Before my arrival, I had made several attempts by phone calls to reach the speaker (Martin Amaewhule) and other members.

“I also wrote a letter personally, which was transmitted to the honourable speaker for this particular invitation.

“It is unfortunate that by the gate, you can see that the place is completely sealed and there is no sign that anything is going to happen today. The reason why we are doing this is the interest of our people — which is the most important thing.

“There is nothing to worry about. Maybe they are working on their letter. I expect to hear from them maybe after now.”