Is It Because She Is A Woman Speaker? – Aide Raises Major Posers About Unprecedented Move Against Meranda

“Is Rt. Hon. Meranda’s role as a woman Speaker being used as a justification for such brazen intimidation and disruption?” This is the vital question in a statement signed by Victor Ganzalo, the Special Adviser on Information to the number three citizen of Lagos State.

The Speaker’s aide spoke in reaction to the withdrawal of all police escorts assigned to the Speaker Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Lasbat Meranda this morning.

“In an alarming and unprecedented turn of events, all the police escorts assigned to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, as well as the security personnel guarding the Assembly complex, have been withdrawn without any explanation. This sudden action has left the Speaker and the entire legislative house dangerously exposed, raising serious concerns about the motives behind this decision,” Ganzalo wrote in a statement with the header: “Hostile Takeover: Police Withdrawal From Lagos House Of Assembly And Intimidation Of Speaker, RT. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, Signals Dangerous Shift In Lagos Political Dynanics.”

Emphasizing the illegitimacy of the move against Meranda, the statement stressed:

“It is important to note that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda was duly elected by her colleagues, and her leadership was reinforced with a strong vote of confidence.”

While declaring that “It has come to our attention that these actions are tied to the ongoing internal power struggle regarding the removal of the former Speaker,” the Senior Special Adviser noted that “this troubling development is also noteworthy for what it might signify about the underlying gender dynamics at play. Could this act of aggression be a reflection of the deep-seated bias against female leadership in the political arena?”

Former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was removed on January 13, 2025, and Meranda was sworn in immediately by a vote of 38 out of the 40-member-strong legislative body.

Disclosing that “speculation suggests that this latest move is aimed at weakening the current leadership and creating instability within the Lagos State House of Assembly,” Ganzalo wrote: “We demand an immediate clarification from both the police and the state government on their roles in these actions.”

Insisting that “The absence of security for those in leadership positions raises serious questions about the safety and protection of public officials in Lagos,” the Speaker’s aide urged: “This situation must not be allowed to stand unchallenged.”

Summing up, he added: “If such intimidation can occur at the highest levels, what protection is there for the ordinary citizens of Lagos?…We call for a full investigation into these actions and demand accountability from all involved parties.”