LAGOS, NIGERIA: Security aides attached to Speaker Mojisola Meranda of the Lagos State House of Assembly have been withdrawn, leaving her vulnerable, The PUNCH has reported.
As of Thursday morning, all police officers and security details assigned to the Speaker were removed. The reason for the withdrawal remains unclear, but sources close to Meranda confirmed the development.
“All the Speaker’s security aides have been withdrawn, including those attached to the House of Assembly. She is now left without protection,” a source stated.
Amid Resignation Speculations
The security withdrawal comes amid growing speculation that Meranda may step down as Speaker following interventions by APC heavyweights.
A mediation panel, led by former governors Chief Bisi Akande (Osun) and Aremo Olusegun Osoba (Ogun), has been working to resolve the leadership crisis in the Assembly.
Reports indicate the panel is recommending that both Meranda and former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa resign to allow a new lawmaker from Lagos West to assume leadership.
Obasa’s Security Aides Restored
In a contrasting development, sources confirmed that all security aides attached to Obasa, who is challenging his removal in court have been restored.
“All of Obasa’s security aides were restored as of this morning,” a source in his camp confirmed.
Meanwhile, Meranda’s spokesperson, Ganzallo Victor, acknowledged the security withdrawal but could not confirm the authority behind the decision.
“We don’t know why the authorities have done that, but all her security details have been withdrawn. She’s on her own at the moment,” he said
The leadership crisis in the Lagos Assembly continues to unfold, with political maneuvering still in play.