President Bola Tinubu is reportedly exerting influence on Lagos State House of Assembly members to reinstate former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, according to sources close to the matter who spoke with Peoples Gazette, in a developing political saga in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
The pressure comes three weeks after a dramatic impeachment that saw Obasa removed from his position. According to inside sources, a compromise appears to be forming. “We have agreed to let him come back to give him a soft landing,” one anonymous politician revealed, citing concerns about potential political fallout.
However, resistance remains among some lawmakers who participated in the impeachment. “Bringing him back would be like trying to pacify a snake after its head was severed,” one source cautioned, expressing fears about potential retaliation.
A high-stakes meeting has reportedly been scheduled for Monday in Abuja, where the president is expected to address holdouts. Sources indicate that many legislators are preparing to attend, with one noting, “Many of us have agreed that he should be allowed to return because we can only see the beginning of this fight but not how it may end.”
The original impeachment on January 13 followed revelations about alleged misappropriation of funds for vehicles and other procurement items. While Lasbat Mojisola Meranda was installed as the new Speaker with reported backing from 32 of 40 legislators, sources suggest she has faced challenges asserting authority.
In a notable development, Obasa has maintained control of the Speaker’s official residence in Ikeja G.R.A., despite his impeachment. Sources indicate he has refused to vacate the premises since returning from the United States, where he was during the impeachment.
First Lady Remi Tinubu’s role in these developments remains unclear, though recent reports indicated her intervention in preventing EFCC’s attempt to arrest Obasa, while allowing investigations into his financial conduct to proceed.
The president’s intervention has reportedly created tensions within Lagos political circles, though sources suggest lawmakers are unlikely to openly oppose his directive. “Some lawmakers are very angry,” a source revealed, “but they don’t want to lead any resistance against the president.”
When contacted, a presidential spokesperson claimed no knowledge of the directive. Both Obasa and Meranda declined to comment on the matter.
According to sources, Obasa met with Governor Jide Sanwo-Olu at Marina on Saturday, potentially laying groundwork for his return as Speaker as early as next week. While the governor’s aide confirmed the meeting, no further details were provided.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
