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Gloomy Faces As Lagos Assembly Mourns Tunde Braimoh With Valedictory Session

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Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly could not hide their sadness on Tuesday as they gathered for a Valedictory Session for their late colleague, Hon. Tunde Braimoh.

Braimoh, who represented Kosofe Constituency 2 in the Assembly, died recently after a brief illness and at the session, his colleagues called him a rare legislator, whose death would be greatly missed by all.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said that it was believed in Islam that a day is dedicated for everybody to die just as he described the demise of Hon. Braimoh as an incident he was yet to come to terms with.

“I have lost one of the most resourceful members that I depended on for advice, who was always willing to offer his advice at every given opportunity. He had never disappointed me. He never had no for an answer and he had a ready answer to any question.

“He was a man with an uncommon intelligence and political sagacity and a man of honour.

“He was a respecter of constituted authority. He has made his impact and contributed to the growth of Kosofe and his vacuum cannot be filled in the next decade.

“We have lost a formidable member of rare quality in the late Hon. Tunde Braimoh. We have lost a very valuable member, who was outstanding as a lawmaker.

“We will miss his insightful and intelligent contributions to issues on the floor of the chamber. We recall his sharp wits and words. I will miss his cheerfulness and his closeness to everybody,” Obasa said.

The Speaker added that Hon. Braimoh was a philanthropist per excellence and that he would be missed by the people that had come across him over the years.

The Speaker thus urged the lawmakers to use their positions to serve humanity, adding that a day would come when people would talk about them.

He said the Assembly had lost a formidable member, but that this could not be compared to the loss being borne by the wife and the children of the deceased. He prayed that God would give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Speaker then directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni, to write to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the death of Hon. Tunde Braimoh.

In his contributions, Hon. Rotimi Abiru (Shomolu 2), said: “Braimoh was such a sociable man. His death happened at a period we were enjoying him. It is most unfortunate that he has dropped at his own bus stop. May the Almighty God give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“I commiserate with his family, his political family, the people of Kosofe Constituency 2 and the members of the state house of assembly.”

In his contribution, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni (Lagos Island 1), said his heart was heavy as he spoke about Braimoh.

“We went to the same university and graduated together.

“We started the fourth republic together in 1999. He was sociable, and intelligent. I commiserate with Mr. Speaker, and I pray that may we not witness any loss in the state House of Assembly again. May we all finish the journey together. I commiserate with his family members and this is one death too many.”

Also speaking, Hon. Mojisola Miranda (Apapa 1) commiserated with the people of Kosofe Constituency 2 and the family of Hon. Braimoh.

Miranda added that Braimoh was a good man and a good listener.

She recalled working with the late lawmaker in various committees and that he was a sociable man.

Hon. Bisi Yusuf (Alimosho 1), who was obviously emotional, simply prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased, while his colleague, Setonji David (Badagry 2) said Braimoh was a very passionate and charming fellow.

“There was never a dull moment with him. The few times we had discussions, he was full of ideas. I will miss him personally. I commiserate with the Speaker over this sad occurrence and I pray that we will never witness this kind of incident again,” he said.

Hon. Nurein Akinsanya (Mushin 1), while commiserating with the family of the deceased, said that he met Tunde Braimoh in 1999, when he became a councillor in Mushin then and Braimoh became a local government chairman.

Hon. Temitope Adewale (Ifako/Ijaiye 1) said that the House had lost a mouthpiece and a good friend to Mr. Speaker, while Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2) said he imagined if Tunde Braimoh were to be in the chamber to speak.

“He had a lot of words to describe us. He had a name for each and everyone of us, especially when our birthdays came up.

“We will miss him, he was very sound and he contributed extensively to the success of the House.

“His vocabulary was very deep, he was very fluent. He spoke even Yoruba Language extensively. Death is a certainty and we pray that when the time comes, may the Almighty God accept us into paradise.

“I pray that the Almighty God would forgive him and grant him Aljana. On behalf of the people of Eti Osa Constituency 2, I condole with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our party chairman, the Speaker of the House and all my colleagues,” Yishawu said.

Hon. Tobun Abiodun (Epe 1) said that he had lost a friend, a brother, a socialite and a team player.

“Who else would understand my way of life like Hon. Tunde Braimoh. I wept when his wife said that her helper had gone. That was the first time I would cry since 1970, when my father died.

“I commiserate with the Speaker for the loss of the image maker of the House, the MC extraordinary of our party, the wife for losing a dear husband, the children for losing a dear father. May the Almighty Allah grant him Aljana fidaus,” he said.

The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, later moved that the name plaque of Hon. Tunde Braimoh be removed and his position as Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Publicity, Security and Strategy be relinquished and this was supported by all the lawmakers.

The House later adjourned sitting to Monday July 27th, 2020 at 12 noon.

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Crisis Averted? Tinubu Settles Lagos Assembly Rift, Affirms Obasa’s Leadership

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Crisis Averted? Tinubu Settles Lagos Assembly Rift, Affirms Obasa’s Leadership

Tinubu Intervenes in Lagos Assembly Crisis, Upholds Obasa as Speaker

President Bola Tinubu has successfully intervened in the lingering leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly, endorsing Mudashiru Obasa’s continued tenure as Speaker despite previous recommendations for his resignation.

The resolution followed a crucial meeting between Tinubu and all 40 lawmakers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday. The President’s decision, however, runs contrary to the recommendations of a panel previously established to mediate the crisis.

Reversal of Agreement

The panel, led by former Osun State Governor Chief Bisi Akande and former Ogun State Governor Chief Gbenga Daniel, along with members of the Governance Advisory Council, initially advised that Obasa should return as Speaker but step down shortly after, allowing for a new Speaker from Lagos West in the interest of political balance.

On March 3, 2025, Mojisola Meranda, who had taken over from Obasa after his impeachment, resigned from her position and was re-elected as Deputy Speaker. Obasa was subsequently reinstated in line with the agreement. However, in a dramatic twist, he indefinitely adjourned the Assembly and refused to step down as originally planned.

Tinubu Brokers Lasting Peace

During the closed-door meeting, Tinubu urged lawmakers to put aside their grievances and work together under Obasa’s leadership to ensure stability in the Assembly and across Lagos State.

“Tinubu met with the lawmakers behind closed doors. They expressed their concerns, and he resolved the issues. Obasa will remain as Speaker, and the lawmakers have agreed to work with him,” a source familiar with the meeting revealed.

Despite dissatisfaction among some Lagos stakeholders over Obasa’s defiance of the original agreement, the source assured that Tinubu would engage all concerned parties to maintain unity.

“Some stakeholders are naturally displeased that Obasa reneged on the agreement with the Akande panel, but the President will address their concerns to ensure lasting peace,” the source added.

Obasa to Withdraw Lawsuit

In a further development, Tinubu directed Obasa to withdraw his lawsuit challenging his impeachment at the Lagos State High Court.

“The President told the lawmakers to allow Obasa to work, and in return, Obasa must withdraw his case against Meranda and the Assembly members in court. The lawmakers have agreed to this arrangement,” another insider disclosed.

Prior to this directive, Obasa’s lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), had confirmed that despite his reinstatement, the Speaker had not withdrawn his lawsuit, arguing that the allegations against him—ranging from high-handedness to financial mismanagement—needed to be addressed.

With Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court set to hear the case on March 17, 2025, all eyes are now on Obasa’s next move following Tinubu’s directive.

Political Ramifications

The intervention by Tinubu, a towering figure in Lagos politics, signals his firm grip over the state’s political structure. However, the decision to allow Obasa to remain as Speaker could spark further discontent among factions within the ruling party and raise questions about adherence to internal agreements.

For now, the Lagos State House of Assembly crisis appears to have been temporarily resolved, but the long-term political implications remain to be seen.

 

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Nothing Lasts Forever! Fubara Reacts After Being Locked Out of Rivers Assembly

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Nothing Lasts Forever! Fubara Reacts After Being Locked Out of Rivers Assembly"

LOCKED OUT: RIVERS STATE GOVERNOR DENIED ENTRY TO ASSEMBLY, BUDGET PRESENTATION STALLED

…Fubara Laments Attempt to Frustrate Governance
…Tension Mounts as Assembly Faction Defies Supreme Court Ruling
…Tinubu Pressures Governor to Implement Verdict Amid Growing Political Standoff

 

Rivers State was thrown into fresh political turmoil on Wednesday as Governor Siminalayi Fubara was denied access to the Port Harcourt Aba Road temporary Rivers State House of Assembly complex, effectively blocking him from presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Accompanied by his entourage, Fubara arrived at the Assembly Quarters only to be met with locked gates, an action seen as a bold and calculated move by the 27 lawmakers loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The incident underscores the deepening power struggle between the governor and Wike’s faction, which the Supreme Court recently recognized as the legitimate Assembly leadership.

48-Hour Ultimatum and Assembly’s Defiance

The legislative crisis escalated after the pro-Wike lawmakers issued Fubara a 48-hour ultimatum to present the budget, challenging an earlier approval by a four-member faction of lawmakers aligned with the governor. However, instead of attending the session, Fubara invited the lawmakers to Government House, Port Harcourt, a move they outrightly rejected.

Governor Fubara Reacts: ‘I Leave Everything to God’

Addressing the development during the inauguration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana LGA, Governor Fubara expressed disappointment at the obstruction, emphasizing that his priority remained the state’s economic stability and the welfare of civil servants. He lamented the resistance he has faced in executing governance duties despite following due process.

“I made frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe he cannot deny, alongside other members of the Assembly,” Fubara stated. “I even sent WhatsApp messages to them, notifying them that I would be coming at 10 a.m. to present the budget. This was to ensure that Rivers State does not face any crisis because of me, as some have alleged.”

Despite his efforts, Fubara said he was left standing outside the legislative complex, only to hear claims that no official communication was made regarding his visit.

“I leave everything to God, who sees all things in secret,” he added. “Like I have always said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power eventually comes to an end. What matters is how we use power. I have chosen not to abuse mine, no matter what they claim.”

Presidential Pressure: Tinubu Orders Compliance with Supreme Court Verdict

The budget blockade comes just 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu directed Governor Fubara to implement the Supreme Court’s ruling recognizing the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers. During a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu reinforced his stance, demanding adherence to the court’s decision to prevent further instability in the oil-rich state.

However, Fubara’s camp views the legislative impasse as an orchestrated attempt to sabotage his administration. His allies argue that the governor is being cornered into submission, with the opposition exploiting institutional control to dictate terms.

Calls for Resignation, Threats of Impeachment

Adding to the already volatile situation, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, called for Fubara’s resignation, warning that failure to comply with the Supreme Court ruling could lead to impeachment proceedings. The remarks signal a potential escalation in the crisis, with political forces aligning to push Fubara into a corner.

As tensions mount, Rivers State finds itself at the center of a deepening political crisis. The coming days will determine whether Fubara can navigate the high-stakes battle or if the opposition forces will tighten their grip on the state’s political landscape. One thing remains certain—this is a battle far from over.

 

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Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

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Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

Lagos Assembly Crisis Deepens as Speaker Obasa and Former Speaker Meranda Clash Over N5 Billion Vehicle Purchase

The Lagos State House of Assembly has plunged into further turmoil following the controversial purchase of N5 billion worth of vehicles for lawmakers, exacerbating the already strained relationship between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and his predecessor, Mojisola Meranda.

Investigations by The PUNCH revealed that during Obasa’s removal as Speaker, Meranda facilitated the purchase of 39 vehicles for lawmakers. However, it emerged that before his ouster, Obasa had approved N7 billion for the same procurement, with plans to source the vehicles from Dubai. His removal on January 13, 2025, by 35 out of 40 lawmakers, citing highhandedness and financial mismanagement, paved the way for Meranda to assume the Speaker position.

Meranda’s tenure, however, was short-lived as she resigned on March 3, 2025, after intense pressure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership, allowing Obasa to reclaim the speakership while she reverted to her Deputy Speaker role. Despite this political settlement, legal and financial disputes between the two factions continue to rage.

Legal Battle Over Procurement

The controversy now centers on the legality of the vehicle purchase made under Meranda’s leadership. Sources close to Obasa allege that she acted without proper authorization, thereby undermining his earlier procurement strategy.

“He had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa,” an anonymous aide to the Speaker disclosed.

Another insider added, “In December, Obasa approved the purchase of those vehicles from Dubai. However, after his removal, Meranda changed the process to open bidding, leading to local procurement instead. That is the major difference.”

Meranda’s Defense: A Cost-Saving Measure

Meranda’s camp has firmly defended her decision, asserting that she actually saved the state N2 billion by purchasing 32 units of the 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of the 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser for N5 billion, compared to Obasa’s planned expenditure of N7 billion for 35 Toyota Fortuner SUVs and 10 Toyota Prados.

A close associate of Meranda emphasized, “Let it be known that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never withdrew funds from the Assembly’s account. She merely adjusted an existing procurement approval, resulting in significant cost savings.”

He further argued that Meranda’s decision to source the vehicles locally ensured better financial prudence and transparency. “Unlike Obasa, who planned to import the vehicles from Dubai, all the cars were purchased domestically. Also, she did not approve any vehicle for herself as Speaker, unlike past administrations,” he added.

Court Showdown Looms

Despite political efforts to resolve the leadership crisis, Obasa remains steadfast in challenging his removal in court. His lawyer, Chief Fashanu Afolabi (SAN), underscored the significance of the case, stating, “The allegations against him, including highhandedness and fraudulent practices, are serious and must be legally addressed.”

Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has now set March 17, 2025, for the next hearing, after an initial adjournment from March 10, following further filings by Obasa’s legal team.

What Lies Ahead?

The unresolved legal battles and lingering power struggle between Obasa and Meranda continue to cast a shadow over the Assembly’s stability. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of the procurement controversy and the broader leadership crisis could shape the political landscape of Lagos in the coming months.

 

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