Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the ongoing crisis within the Lagos State House of Assembly, warning that the situation poses a serious danger to Nigeria’s democratic values.
Atiku likened recent developments to authoritarian practices, expressing concern over what he sees as a deliberate effort to undermine legislative independence.
The crisis erupted following the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and the subsequent election of Hon. Mojisola Meranda as the first female Speaker of the Lagos Assembly. However, the transition has been marred by controversy, leading to heightened political tensions.
In a statement released through his media aide, Paul Ibeh, Atiku described the unfolding situation as a troubling sign of democratic erosion in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub.
Atiku said, “Nigeria’s democracy was hard-fought and must not be undermined by those who should be its foremost guardians. We call on President Tinubu to publicly denounce any attempt to subvert the democratic process in Lagos and ensure that the principles of fairness, justice, and due process prevail.
”What happened at the Lagos State House of Assembly today is nothing short of an assault on democracy and a throwback to the dark days of military dictatorship. We urge all well-meaning Nigerians to remain vigilant and resolute in defending the sanctity of our democratic institutions,” Atiku stated.
He emphasized that Obasa’s removal, which was backed by an overwhelming majority, should have marked a progressive step for democracy.
Instead, he lamented that “there is an orchestrated attempt to override the legislature’s decision through undemocratic means, including the use of security forces to intimidate lawmakers.”
Tensions escalated further when security operatives reportedly entered the House complex in an attempt to reinstate Obasa as Speaker.
Atiku condemned the action, arguing that it reflected tactics reminiscent of Nigeria’s military era. He stressed that such maneuvers threaten the credibility of the democratic process in Lagos.
Despite his influence over Lagos politics, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has remained silent on the matter. Atiku sees this silence as an implicit approval of efforts to impose a preferred candidate against the will of Assembly members.
”Despite his undisputed influence over Lagos politics, President Bola A. Tinubu has remained conspicuously silent on the matter. His refusal to address the crisis suggests a tacit endorsement of the anti-democratic manoeuvres aimed at imposing his preferred candidate against the overwhelming will of Assembly members. This silence is deafening and deeply concerning.”
Atiku also referred to recent comments by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had accused President Tinubu of selective political practices.
”Just days after Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, a founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kaduna State, publicly accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of engaging in selective machine politics, the crisis in the Lagos legislature has provided troubling validation of these claims.”
”As Mallam El-Rufai rightly pointed out, Lagos politics has become a battleground between the noble values of Omoluabi – rooted in integrity, fairness, and public service – and the crass, strong-arm tactics of Area Boy politics, where power is retained through coercion rather than consensus.”
