The Kano State command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five officials from the Katsina Internal Revenue Service in connection with an alleged fraud amounting to ₦1.3 billion.

The individuals, identified as Rabiu Abdullahi, Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro, Ibrahim Aliyu, and Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, were taken into custody last Saturday, January 11.

The spokesperson for the anti-corruption agency, Dele Oyewale, confirmed their arrest in Abuja on Monday, specifying that the total amount allegedly misappropriated by the suspects is ₦1,294,337,676.53.

According to Oyewale, the arrests were made following a petition from the Katsina state government, which accused the officials of colluding to misappropriate the funds.

He noted that this amount was intended for the state government, having been sourced from the World Health Organization (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA).

He explained, “Preliminary investigation by the commission showed that Rabiu Abdullahi, a former Director of Collections of the Board and current Permanent Secretary of the Board authorized the opening of a bank account in the name of ‘BOIRS’ at Sterling Bank where he allegedly designated Sanusi Mohammed Yaro, Director of Revenue Account and Ibrahim M. Kofar Soro as sole signatories to the account.

“Subsequently, the account became the primary channel through which all the funds were allegedly funneled to the main beneficiary NADIKKO General Suppliers, a company owned and controlled by Nura Lawal Kofar Sauri, an Assistant Director of Career Skills/Staff Welfare of the Board.

“Investigation further revealed that Nura Lawal and his company ”NADIKKO” became the principal conduits used to launder the stolen funds. These laundered funds were traced to the various bank accounts of the suspects.”

The EFCC spokesman said the suspects had been detained at the Kano Zonal Command of the commission, adding that they would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ₦300 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by singer Darlington Achakpo, popularly known as Speed Darlington, against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to January 27 for hearing.

The adjournment followed a request by CSP Audu Garba, counsel for the IGP, seeking additional time to review a further affidavit served by Speed Darlington’s lawyer, Abubakar Marshal, in court.

During Monday’s proceedings, Marshal informed the court that the session was set to hear the substantive application for the enforcement of his client’s fundamental rights. He noted that the police had filed their counter-affidavit on Friday, prompting the filing of a further affidavit in response.

Garba acknowledged the submission of the counter-affidavit but stated he had not yet received the further affidavit. When Justice Musa Liman inquired about the timing of the filing, Marshal confirmed, “It was filed this morning, my lord.” With the court’s permission, Marshal served Garba a copy of the document in court.

However, when Marshal attempted to proceed with the application, Garba objected, requesting additional time to review the new affidavit for any potential new legal or factual issues requiring a response. Justice Liman subsequently adjourned the matter to January 27 for the adoption of arguments.

Speed Darlington’s ₦300 million suit against the IGP challenges his alleged unlawful detention. The case originated from a December 23, 2024, court order directing the police to charge him or release him within 48 hours.

Previously, the Federal High Court instructed the Nigerian police to immediately release Darlington pending the hearing of the substantive matter. The court also directed that Abubakar Marshal, Esq., act as surety for Darlington, also known as Akpi.

Darlington, aged 39, was arrested in Lagos on allegations of defamation and cyberstalking related to his comments about Burna Boy. He was later granted bail on October 8, 2024.

At the resumed hearing, Marshal reiterated that the session was intended to address the motion to enforce Darlington’s rights. Although Garba initially claimed he had not been served the necessary documents, the court confirmed service.

Marshal also requested the court to direct the police to release his client on bail. However, Garba opposed this request, citing an ongoing criminal charge and alleging that Darlington had jumped bail. He further stated that the police’s compliance with the court’s previous order was affected by the timing during the Christmas holiday.

Darlington’s suit seeks damages for alleged unlawful detention and requests an order for his immediate release or presentation before the court. His legal team also claims he was subjected to torture and inhumane treatment during his detention.

A Magistrate Court in Wuse, Abuja, has ordered the remand of two siblings, Enenche Enenche and Alexander Enenche, along with Pastor Abraham Daniel, at the Keffi Prison in Nasarawa State.

Enenche Enenche and Alexander Enenche are brothers of Pastor Paul Enenche, the senior pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Church, while Pastor Abraham Daniel is a former pastor at the same church.

The three individuals were reportedly transferred to the Keffi Custodial Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) on Monday evening following a remand order obtained by the Nigerian Police Force from the Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja.

SaharaReporters learned that the two brothers and Pastor Abraham Daniel were held in police custody after responding to a police invitation. They remained in custody until their transfer to Keffi Prison on Monday evening.

On January 8, the Intelligence Department of the Nigerian Police released the brothers on bail. The two were initially arrested on January 7, 2025, alongside Pastor Abraham Daniel, on allegations of cyberbullying and criminal defamation against Pastor Paul Enenche. They were released the next day following an agreement to settle the matter amicably.

As part of the agreement, Alex Enenche and Pastor Abraham Daniel were instructed to report to the Force Intelligence Department (FID) on Friday, January 10, and Monday, January 13, 2025.

On Tuesday, the FID detained both Alexander and Abraham Daniel after they reported to the department in response to a police invitation.

According to a source, the three individuals were held in custody until Monday evening, when the police secured a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja.

“Upon honouring the Police invitation, Mr. Enenche Enenche, Alexander Enenche, and Abraham Daniel were kept in police custody till this evening when they brought a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja,” the source said.

The source added, “The police claimed to have obtained an order from the Magistrate Court, Zone 6, Abuja, for their remand. The name of the Magistrate and the number of days are not yet known at the moment.”

Currently, the three individuals are being held at Keffi Prison on remand. Meanwhile, the source disclosed that a fundamental rights application would likely be filed on Tuesday.

“We will likely file fundamental rights on this,” the source added.

Mrs Mojisola Lasbat Meranda was on Monday unanimously elected as the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly following the impeachment of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa after the latter’s over nine years in the saddle of the leadership of the House.

Hereunder are 10 key facts about Hon. Mojisola Meranda’s life, career, and political journey:

1. Born on August 16, 1980, Mojisola Meranda hails from the prominent Ojora, Aromire, Onitana, Oloto, and Oniru royal families in LagosStatw. Her late father, Chief T.A. Lawal Akapo, was a legislator who later became the Ojora of Lagos.

2. She earned a degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University in 2013 and a Master’s in Public and International Affairs (MPIA) from the University of Lagos in 2020. She is currently pursuing an MBA in Public Sector Management at the University of York, United Kingdom

3. Her political career started with the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), which transitioned into the Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and later the All Progressives Congress (APC).

4. In 2003, at the age of 23, she began working as a personal assistant to Dr. Olumuyiwa Gbadegesin, a senior special assistant on technology and special projects to then Governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State.

5. She became a procurement manager at Cirrus Nigeria Limited. She also served as a senior special assistant and later a supervisory councillor for health at Apapa Local Government Area Council.

6. First elected in 2015 to represent Apapa Constituency 1, Meranda has been re-elected twice. She has consistently focused on amending outdated laws and implementing impactful constituency projects such as medical outreaches, educational initiatives, and water supply programs.

7. Meranda is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and greater representation in politics. She challenges stereotypes and emphasises that women are equally capable of holding leadership positions.

8. She was elected Chief Whip of the Ninth Lagos State House of Assembly

9. She was elected the Deputy Speaker of the House in 2023.

10. On Monday, January 13, 2025, she became the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has threatened to prosecute kingmakers in Oyo Kingdom (Oyomesi) and others, who collected bribe or gratification in the selection process of the new Alaafin of Oyo.

He said any chief or anyone found guilty of bribe-taking during the selection process would face prosecution.

It would be recalled that five kingmakers (Oyomesi) declared the appointment of Prince Akeem Owoade as 46th and new Alaafin of Oyo by the governor as null and void because they did not recommend such name to the state government for ratification.

They insisted that the only person they recommended as the next Alaafin was Prince Luqman Gbadegesin.

However, the governor, while presenting staff of office and certificate to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, at the Government House in Ibadan, on Monday, emphasised on transparency and accountability in the selection process of the new monarch.

The governor described Oba Owoade as a leader poised to upholding the cultural and historical heritage of the Oyo Kingdom, noting that the Alaafin of Oyo is not just a traditional ruler but a custodian of rich history and tradition.

“I believe that Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade will lead with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to the unity of the Oyo kingdom,” Makinde stated.

In his response, Oba Owoade expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo and promised to prioritise the development of the kingdom and the welfare of the residents.

Oba Owoade was accompanied by a delegation of his subjects from Oyo town, marking a significant moment in the state’s traditional leadership history.

He, however, pledged to usher in a new era of leadership, with a focus on cultural preservation, youth development, and economic growth in the Oyo Kingdom.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Bashorun of Oyo and head of Oyomesi, High Chief Yusuf Akinade, said their lawyer should be contacted for reaction, saying he has nothing to say for now since the case is currently in court.

“I don’t know anything about it, I am not around, whatever you want to know, you can contact our lawyer because the case is currently in court, so, I can’t say anything outside the court. I am the Bashorun, I am not aspiring to become the Alaafin,” the High Chief stated.

The Senate has expressed concern over the consistently low remittances of revenues generated in 2024 by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and some Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) to the Federation Account.

The chairman of the Joint Finance Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Sani Musa, made this statement yesterday in Abuja during an interactive session on the MDAs’ revenue projections 2025.

The session featured representatives from key agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), and the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC).

Senator Musa expressed deep concern over the disparity between the substantial revenue generated by these MDAs and their consistently low remittances to the Federation Account.

He highlighted that this trend undermines the government’s ability to fund critical infrastructure projects and provide essential social services.

“This trend calls into question inefficiency, mismanagement, and possible revenue leakages,” he said.

He emphasised that the committee’s primary mandate is to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in these agencies’ financial operations.

The committee has committed to scrutinising the MDAs’ revenue projections, financial performance, and compliance with statutory remittance obligations.

Senator Musa explained that this process aims to identify systemic challenges and recommend actionable solutions to address the troubling patterns.

He called on the agencies to present accurate data and comprehensive records during the session, emphasising the need for transparency to benefit Nigerians.

“Let us approach these tasks with a shared commitment to building a stronger, more accountable fiscal framework for Nigeria,” he said, underscoring the importance of collective responsibility.

The senator urged stakeholders to openly address all areas of concern, including those not formally presented during the session.

Minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, said on Monday that Nigeria’s power generation increased by 30 per cent in 2024.

The minister, speaking during a budget defence session with the Senate Committee on Power, revealed that his administration inherited an average generation capacity of 4,100 megawatts (MW) in 2023 and raised it to 5,528 MW by the end of 2024.

“I can tell you authoritatively that by the end of 2024, we had a peak generation of 5,528 MW of power from 4,100 MW of plants. And the reason for this is not far-fetched. We know that we added a new hydroelectric power dam, Zungeru, of 700 MW, and also there was a tremendous increase in the generation by other existing power generating companies, mainly hydro and thermal plants,” he explained.

He noted that while the initial target was 6,000 MW, unforeseen challenges such as grid disturbances towards the end of the year prevented him from achieving it. However, he emphasised that the shortfall was minimal.

The minister also reported an increase in energy access, which rose by five per cent from 59 per cent at the end of 2023 to 64 per cent by the close of 2024. This progress, according to Adelabu, resulted from a combination of grid access expansion and growth in renewable energy initiatives, including solar, small hydro and wind energy projects.

Despite these achievements, the minister expressed concerns about the metering gap in the country. He disclosed that approximately six million electricity customers are currently metered, while over seven million remain unmetered.

To address this issue, Adelabu revealed that the ministry had secured a N700 billion fund and plans to commence the procurement of meters in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.

He explained that the goal is to procure at least two million meters annually over the next five years, which he believes will completely eliminate the existing meter gap and eliminate any form of fraud in terms of electricity billing.

Road transporters said, Nigerians should not expect transport fare drop anytime soon, despite the recent slash infuel pump price to between N925 and N985 per litre, across major fuel filling stations nationwide.

The transporters who spoke with LEADERSHIP noted that the fuel price drop is insignificant and that not all filling stations have so far slash their fuel pump price. Lamenting hike in cost of maintaining their vehicles as spare part prices have risen by over a 100 per cent in the last one year, they said, the fuel price may still rise in near future, hence, the need for them to observe price movement and know whether the environment is ripe for them to adjust fare downward.

LEADERSHIP had earlier reported in December 2024 that Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced a reduction in the price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) product, also known as fuel, to N899.50 per litre. The firm had previously lowered the price to N970 per litre on 24 November and has now set a new price of N899.50 per litre. This reduction is designed to ease transport costs during the festive period.

Following this announcement, the president of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, stated that ,the Dangote Petroleum Refinery had partnered MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre. From then till now, some other major marketers have signed similar deals with Dangote Refinery. Similarly, this development forced NNPC Limited to equally drop its fuel litre price to N925.

While many passengers expected this reduction to be reflected in the fares they pay for transportation, this was not to be as instead, there were fare increases on some routes across Lagos and Ogun States axis.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP, a commuter in Lagos, Abass Tajudeen said: “By now, I expected a reduction in the price of transport, but it is instead increasing. From Oshodi to Sango-Ota, it’s now N1,000. The issue is that we have no option but to board the buses since we can’t trek that long distance.”

Another commuter, Dele Adeleye, stated that transporters are in the habit of inflicting pain on commuters, exploiting every situation to charge more.

Narrating his ordeal, Adeleye mentioned that a trip from Oshodi to Gbagada General Hospital, usually N200, is now N300. However, when there is a church activity around Gbagada on Sundays, drivers take advantage and charge N400, which, he said, was not right.

Speaking on behalf of App-Based Transporters, a business partnerships and proposals manager at the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Comr. Jolaiya Seun Moses responded to why there is no noticeable reduction in transport costs.

He explained that, “we have experienced several fuel price hikes, yet we have never demanded an increase in transportation fares. The era of raising transport costs with every slight fuel price increase has changed. We are now in a system where we endure one another. What we’re observing in fuel prices are minor fluctuations. Even when there’s a N50 increase, we transporters don’t demand higher fares. So, when there’s a small reduction of N30 or so, we don’t see it as a decrease but rather as a fluctuation in price.”

Moses, who is also the association’s national treasurer, stated that, “If there is a significant reduction in fuel prices, you will see a decrease in transportation costs without transporters needing to be informed. Passengers themselves will start asking for it. The current reduction in fuel prices is not significant enough to affect what we charge. A decrease of N20 or N30 is not sufficient to cause a reduction in transportation fares. Even now, no driver will tell you they are taking home good money. You would need to see fuel prices drop below N800 per litre before you start seeing any noticeable changes.”

Another driver, Akinloye James, who plies the Oshodi to Gbagada General Hospital route, said the price of transportation cannot come down mainly because not all filling stations are selling at the reduced price. “For instance, at the Total station, if you are going from Oshodi to Gbagada, their price is still above N1,000. Only a few are selling below N1,000. So, the fact remains that more stations are selling above N1,000, which is why people have not witnessed a reduction in the price of transportation,” he said.

Corroborating what James said, another bus driver who shuttles between Oshodi and Mafoluku, Lagos, Joshua Mafolasere, expressed, “People are saying there is a drop in the amount at which fuel is sold, but not all filling stations are selling at a reduced price. And because not all filling stations have reduced pump prices, it has not been reflected in transport costs.”

Mafolasere also said: “The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), known as the union, collects their money regardless of the economic situation. They don’t pity the drivers; they don’t reduce the money charged for booking daily, and this is aside from the little money you pay to different agbero.

“At Oshodi here, we pay N1,200 for a ticket every day we want to work. And for every trip you make, you also pay money, excluding payments of different levies such as boys’ money, environmental money, and other expenses. So tell me, how do we reduce transport costs with all these levies? Mafoluku to Oshodi is at N200, and before the subsidy removal, it was N100, then moved to N150, and now it is N200.”

Mafolasere implored the government to provide a soft landing because when the price of essential commodities like fuel comes down, then automatically, ‘we too will reduce the price at which we carry passengers. But marginal reductions such as N30 or N50 do not solve or provide solutions to the issues before us.’

LEADERSHIP visited up to three different NURTW offices at Oshodi on two separate days to find out why people have not been seeing a reduction in transport fares and what the unions are doing to reduce the burden. One member of the union at Branch E, located at A7, Seinde Calisto Crescent, Oshodi, said, “We cannot attend to you without you first going through Branch A. Any information you want, you get at the branch or they permit us to give you; otherwise, there’s nothing we can do.”

The following day, a visit to Branch A, where some members were available, unlike the previous day when none was available to speak, also directed our correspondents to the Lagos State Council at Agege, saying Branch A cannot speak without going to the state council. However, efforts to speak to the State council failed as well as nobody was ready to respond to our enquiries.

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sacked the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Hon. Chukwuemeka Aaron.

The Court, presided over by Justice Stephen Jumbo, also nullified the ward, local government and state congresses of the PDP held in the State in July 2024.

The development is coming less than one month after another High Court nullified the ward, local government and state congresses of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, which produced Chief Tony Okocha as State Chairman.

The court’s decision followed a dispute over the legitimacy of the PDP congresses, which were conducted by a faction of the party loyal to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike.

LEADERSHIP recalls that a State High Court presided over by Justice Charles Wali had on July 20, 2024, stopped the PDP from going ahead with the ward, local government and State congresses.

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly unanimously impeached Hon Obasa on Monday, ending his nine-year headship of the Lagos State legislature.

Obasa, who was away in the United States (USA), was accused of several infractions and replaced by his deputy, Hon Mojisola Meranda.

Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1 and was also the House’s former chief whip, makes history as the first female speaker in Lagos.

Hon. Mojeed Fatai was elected the House’s Deputy Speaker.

Hon. Obafemi Saheed, Kosofe Constituency 2, moved the motion for his removal under urgent public importance, citing relevant sections of the constitution that abhor infractions and back the speaker’s impeachment.

Some allegations levelled against the impeached speaker were highhandedness, gross misconduct, poor leadership, lack of commitment to legislative business, lack of regard for fellow lawmakers, and intimidation and suppression of legislative staff.

Other allegations levelled against him are financial impropriety, misappropriation of funds, lack of transparency, gross abuse of office and privileges, and authoritarianism, among others.

He was alleged to always be at loggerheads with the executive arm, running a parallel government with state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and absenting himself from most state functions.

However, beyond all the above accusations, political watchers say political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general election, in which Obasa was said to have an ambition to run as governor, was the real push behind his removal as head of the state’s legislature, a post he had held for almost a decade.

Analysts said interest in the 2027 governorship election is behind the removal of Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

It was gathered that Obasa’s ambition put him against some of those eyeing that seat.

In what observers considered moves to ridicule the state deputy governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, who is also eyeing the governorship seat, Obasa summoned the deputy governor to report at his seat during the governor’s budget presentation in November without showing respect for his office.

A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has described the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as a self-inflicted own goal.
Ojo who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, said derogatory remarks on Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu might have been one of Obasa’s offences that earned him the impeachment.

“On the social media, most allusions were that he (Obasa) was disrespectful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the way he carried out during the budget presentation exercise, particularly when he made that snide remark that I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.

“So, it’s presumed to be a snide remark at a sitting governor. Incidentally, as a speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Assembly you do not have immunity, you are just there at the grace of your members.

“I don’t know what might have prompted Obasa to behave the way he did because if what he is alleged to have done has been revealed which is politics behind the scene of keeping the governor waiting for several hours, keeping the party elders waiting and no apologies and then the President weighing in and you are showing some stubbornness and recalcitrant, well those the gods want to destroy they first make whatever.
“So, I believe this may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it own goal,” he said.

A political analyst, Jide Ojo, has described the impeachment of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa as a self-inflicted own goal.
Ojo who was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, said derogatory remarks on Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu might have been one of Obasa’s offences that earned him the impeachment.

“On the social media, most allusions were that he (Obasa) was disrespectful to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the way he carried out during the budget presentation exercise, particularly when he made that snide remark that I am not too young or inexperienced to be the governor of the state and I am more qualified than some of those people who are there.

“So, it’s presumed to be a snide remark at a sitting governor. Incidentally, as a speaker or deputy speaker of the House of Assembly you do not have immunity, you are just there at the grace of your members.

“I don’t know what might have prompted Obasa to behave the way he did because if what he is alleged to have done has been revealed which is politics behind the scene of keeping the governor waiting for several hours, keeping the party elders waiting and no apologies and then the President weighing in and you are showing some stubbornness and recalcitrant, well those the gods want to destroy they first make whatever.

“So, I believe this may have been a self-inflicted own goal if I want to call it own goal,” he said.

At the 2025 budget presentation, the former speaker disrespectfully said those who have ruled Lagos State in the past were not better than him, a statement many considered an insult to past leaders and an overbearing attitude toward the state’s powers that be.

To nail the former speaker’s coffin, the motion for his impeachment was seconded by Hon Aro Moshood Abiodun, Ikorodu 2. It was immediately subjected to a voice vote three times by Hon. Meranda, who presided over the proceedings.

All the lawmakers shouted “yes” to support the impeachment, while none said “nay” to counter the motion.

Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1, disclosed that the impeachment was a unanimous decision by the lawmakers.

Tobun emphasised that the action was necessary to protect the integrity of the legislature and the state.

“The lawmakers agreed to take this step to safeguard our image and Lagos State. Change is inevitable, and we felt it was time for a new direction,” Tobun said.

He explained that the Constitution empowers the Assembly to regulate its proceedings, and members agreed to end Obasa’s tenure.

Following the impeachment, Hon. Mojisola Meranda was sworn in as the new speaker, with Hon. Fatai Ajibola assuming the role of deputy speaker.

“All standing committees and principal officer positions have been dissolved. We are determined to work together to elevate the Assembly and deliver on our responsibilities to Lagosians,” Tobun added.

The lawmakers assured the public of their commitment to the progress and stability of Lagos State under the new leadership.

As a mark of acceptance, the Conference 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairmen in Lagos State have congratulated Rt. Hon Mojisola Meranda on her election as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

In a statement, the body praised Meranda’s dedication, competence, and commitment to service, saying her emergence reflects the state’s progressive ideals and inclusive governance ethos.

The forum said they trusted Meranda’s ability to deliver robust legislative leadership, foster development, and uphold democratic principles.

They assured her of their support and collaboration and wished her a successful tenure marked by groundbreaking achievements.

Signed on behalf of Conference 57 by its chairman,  Alabi Kolade David, and public relations officer, Olusesan Daini, the statement concluded with a congratulatory message to the Speaker.

As of the time this report was filed, some state Assembly staff members were seen jubilating over Obasa’s impeachment, saying he did not care about the welfare of the state’s Legislative Assembly staff.