Former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sabit Ikuforiji, has stated that the process leading to the removal of Mudasiru Obasa from the speakership was constitutional and appropriate.
Ikuforiji criticized Obasa for claiming to still hold the position of speaker despite being removed by a majority of the lawmakers in the House.
During a reception held in his honor by supporters on Saturday, Obasa asserted that he remains the speaker and described his removal as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
In contrast, Ikuforiji argued that the 1999 Constitution does not require lawmakers to provide reasons or cite allegations for the removal of their presiding officers.
The former lawmaker stated this on Arise Television on Saturday night.
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He said, “The assemblymen do not need to give any reason for removing the Speaker. Even if the Speaker puts a powder on his face and the lawmakers feel he is not supposed to put the powder, he can be removed just because of that,” he said.
Ikuforiji added that Nigerians need to familiarize themselves with the constitution.
“It’s only the impeachment of Executives like President and Governors that requires cumbersome processes and two-third majority. For the Legislature presiding officers, it’s just a simple majority and they don’t have to give any reason.”
The ousted Obasa was removed on January 13, 2025 by 32 of the 40 lawmakers of the House.
He was removed for infractions bordering on misappropriation of funds and abuse of Office.
Obasa who returned to Lagos for the first time after his removal was given heroic welcome by members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) including LG ward Executives, members and stakeholders in the Lagos politics.
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