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*Photo Story: Israel Ovirih, Alhaji Adam Nuru Pay Courtesy Visit To Hon. Minister for Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola*

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*Photo Story: Israel Ovirih, Alhaji Adam Nuru Pay Courtesy Visit To Hon. Minister for Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola*

 

 

Courtesy Visit to Hon Minister for Blue Economy HE Adegboyega Oyetola by the Coalition of Shipowners in Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Technical Advisors for the take-off of Maritime Bank for Africa; Alhaji Adam Nuru and Dr. Israel Ovirih

Courtesy Visit to Hon Minister for Blue Economy HE Adegboyega Oyetola by the Coalition of Shipowners in Nigeria 🇳🇬 and Technical Advisors for the take-off of Maritime Bank for Africa; Alhaji Adam Nuru and Dr. Israel Ovirih

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Crisis Deepens in Lagos Assembly: Ex-Speaker Obasa Denies Gun Cache Allegations, Defections Dismissed

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Crisis Deepens in Lagos Assembly: Ex-Speaker Obasa Denies Gun Cache Allegations, Defections Dismissed

Crisis Deepens in Lagos Assembly: Ex-Speaker Obasa Denies Gun Cache Allegations, Defections Dismissed

 

The former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Wednesday vehemently denied reports alleging that he stockpiled firearms at his office. This comes amid mounting tension following the recent leadership crisis that saw his ouster and replacement by Mojisola Meranda.

Reports surfaced online claiming that 47 pump-action guns were discovered by officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) during a visit to the assembly on Monday. Some reports suggested the weapons were uncovered in Obasa’s office, while others implicated the former Chief Security Officer’s office.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Obasa labeled the accusations as a “complete concoction” aimed at tarnishing his reputation. “The ill-conceived story clearly exposes its author and paymasters as maliciously of low intelligence quotient, only out to malign my hard-earned reputation spanning decades of political leadership,” he stated.

Obasa further accused his detractors of fabricating the gun cache discovery as an afterthought to justify what he termed illegal actions against him.

A source within the DSS confirmed to The PUNCH on Tuesday that no weapons were discovered at the assembly, calling the reports false.

Meranda Resignation Rumors Dismissed

Separately, Mojisola Meranda, the current Speaker, denied rumors of her resignation. An online report claimed that an unverified resignation letter attributed to Meranda had been circulating for two days. However, Meranda’s aide, Segun Ajiboye, refuted the claims, stating, “I’m in the office. The Speaker is in the office. I don’t know where that is coming from.”

A check by The PUNCH revealed that the purported letter bore no signature from Meranda.

Defection Allegations Debunked

The Lagos State House of Assembly also addressed reports that 27 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had defected to the Labour Party. The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Olukayode, dismissed the claims as entirely false and aimed at causing confusion.

“We emphasize, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection,” Olukayode stated. He described the rumors as “misleading” and “riddled with outright falsehoods.”

Political Body Urges Peace

Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Lagos State has urged Obasa to step aside and allow peace to prevail. IPAC Chairperson Temilola Akinade expressed concern over the leadership crisis that escalated on Monday when DSS operatives sealed the offices of the new speaker, deputy speaker, and the chamber.

“The outgone speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, has done his best for the state; let him calm down and give peace a chance,” Akinade said. She stressed the importance of allowing Meranda to continue leading the assembly, as chosen by the majority of lawmakers.

Decrying the emotional stress faced by the new Speaker, Akinade urged all parties involved to prioritize democracy and stability in Lagos State. “The emotional stress Madam Speaker is going through now needs to come to an end for her to perform her legislative and leadership role, as expected,” she said.

As the investigation continues and political tensions simmer, all eyes remain on the Lagos State House of Assembly for further developments.

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Re: Alleged Defection of 27 Lagos Assembly Members to Labour Party

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Bill For Research Trust Fund Scales Second Reading At Lagos Assembly

Re: Alleged Defection of 27 Lagos Assembly Members to Labour Party

 

The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to categorically debunk the malicious and unfounded publication alleging that twenty-seven members of the Assembly are planning to defect from the ruling party to the opposition Labour Party (LP). This publication is entirely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.

We find this report not only offensive but also riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsehoods that serves no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State.

The recent developments in the House, including the removal of the erstwhile Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker, are purely internal matters. These actions were carried out in accordance with the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as Ammended.

These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party. We emphasize, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection.

We were elected under the Leadership of the Ruling Party, The ruling party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of Lagos State. The falsehood being spread originates from agents of destabilization who seek to create unnecessary tension and division within the Assembly.

To our party leaders and supporters across the state, we assure you that all members remain committed to the party.

Furthermore, we reaffirm that any internal disagreements within the House will be resolved amicably through peaceful and democratic mechanisms. There is no crisis that warrants any member considering defection.

We also call on all media partners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication and refraining from spreading unverified reports that could mislead the public.

E- Signed

Hon. (Otunba) Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode
Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security
Lagos State House of Assembly

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Osun State Political Violence: APC, PDP Trade Blame Over Killings and Clashes

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Osun State Political Violence: APC, PDP Trade Blame Over Killings and Clashes

Osun State Political Violence: APC, PDP Trade Blame Over Killings and Clashes

Violent clashes between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have escalated tensions in Osun State, resulting in the death of a former chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Mr. Aderemi Abbas, and six others. The violence erupted on Monday following a contentious Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating APC-elected local government chairmen and councillors.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had earlier raised alarms on Sunday, accusing Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, and certain security agency heads of plotting to enforce the ruling and instigate chaos. Adeleke called on the public to hold Oyetola and state security chiefs accountable for any violence.

Clashes at Local Government Secretariats

On Monday, violence erupted at various local government secretariats as APC and PDP supporters clashed, resulting in deaths and multiple injuries. A video showed Abbas, elected as chairman in 2018, lying in a pool of blood with an open head wound.

An anonymous security source revealed that Abbas was killed during a bloody confrontation between party supporters wielding guns and machetes. “At 11:56 a.m., Abbas and his men tried to access the local government premises in Ikire, leading to a confrontation with PDP members. Many were wounded, and one person was shot dead immediately,” the source stated.

In Boripe Local Government Area, two people were reportedly shot dead in Iragbiji as APC members attempting to access the council secretariat met armed resistance allegedly led by PDP supporters. Similar violence occurred in Isokan and Olaoluwa LGAs, where gunfights left multiple casualties.

In Olorunda LGA, APC members’ attempts to seize the council secretariat prompted heavy police intervention. Hoodlums armed with weapons intimidated bystanders and smashed phones of those recording the chaos.

Violence also spread to Egbedore, Ayedaade, and Ife-East LGAs, with reports of shootings, injuries, and attacks on political convoys. The Executive Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Abuja, Mr. Remi Omowaiye, alleged his convoy was attacked near Ilesa West secretariat by PDP thugs, resulting in bullet injuries to his driver and security aides.

Police Response

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered additional tactical squads to Osun State to curb the violence. In a statement by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the police condemned the incidents, vowing to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.

“The Nigeria Police Force condemns the violence that has disrupted peace in Osun State. The IGP has directed immediate reinforcement of security in the affected areas,” the statement read. “Violence undermines democracy and public safety. Those responsible will face the full weight of the law.”

The IGP warned against further acts of lawlessness and assured residents of increased security to restore order.

Political Parties React

The APC expressed deep sorrow over the violence and loss of lives. Former Special Adviser on Education to ex-Governor Oyetola, Jamiu Olawumi, lamented, “We lost people in Irewole, Isokan, and Olaoluwa LGAs. Hon. Remi Abbas was killed on his way to resume at the council office. Additionally, a councilor in Isokan was murdered, and APC members in Iragbiji, Osogbo, and Olorunda were attacked.”

The PDP, in turn, condemned what it described as coordinated attacks by APC hoodlums. PDP Director of Media Oladele Bamiji claimed five party members were killed, and over 50 injured across Boripe, Olaoluwa, Isokan, and Ilesa West LGAs.

“In Boripe, two PDP members were gruesomely murdered, and over 20 sustained injuries during preparations for a rally,” Bamiji said. He accused security personnel of complicity, claiming some officers either participated in or ignored the attacks.

During a heated debate on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Osun Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Kolapo Alimi, accused the APC of orchestrating the violence. “The governor has directed everyone to stay away from local government offices, but despite this, five PDP members were killed. We urge the President to intervene to bring peace,” he said.

APC National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru countered, accusing the PDP of instigating the violence. “Our chairman, Hon. Remi Abbas, was murdered by PDP thugs. Another member was attacked. This is barbaric,” he stated.

Calls for Federal Intervention

The Osun State National Assembly caucus accused Gboyega Oyetola of collaborating with security agents to disrupt local government operations. Speaking on behalf of the caucus, Hon. Salam alleged a coordinated takeover of local government offices by sacked APC officials, accompanied by armed thugs.

“Osun residents woke up to criminal takeovers of local government offices by sacked officials, accompanied by gunfire. These acts threaten the peace enjoyed under Governor Adeleke’s administration,” Salam stated, urging President Tinubu to intervene.

The situation remains tense, with heightened security and political tensions threatening further unrest in Osun State.

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