A coalition of over 350 civil society organisations, under the aegis of Womanifesto has demanded that all state actors respect the independence of the legislature and refrain from using coercion or intimidation to influence the actions of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
The group made this known on Wednesday during a press conference in Ikeja on the urgent crisis at the state’s Assembly.
The co-convener of Womanifesto and Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi urged state actors to allow elected representatives to perform their duties without fear or external pressure, in order to ensure that democracy remains intact and fully functional.
This concern was expressed following the recent developments surrounding the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, including the invasion of the House by members of the State Security Service.
Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi said, “We affirm that the processes leading to the removal of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda were in compliance with the provisions set forth in Sections 92 and 96 of the Constitution, which govern the removal of a Speaker and the election of a new one. We fully support the constitutional procedure followed by the majority of the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who voted in favour of these decisions. This is a testament to the integrity of the legislative process and to the will of the people as expressed by their elected representatives.
“As the first woman to hold the position of Speaker in Lagos State, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda’s ascension is a monumental achievement in the history of Nigerian politics. It marks a significant step toward ensuring gender equity in political leadership and serves as a source of inspiration for women and girls across the country. Civil Society organisations and well-meaning Lagosians represented here today, strongly support her leadership and urge all stakeholders to respect the constitutional process and uphold the legitimacy of her position.
She reiterated, “Leaders of Civil Society Organisations and lovers of the rule of law, stand firmly behind Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the legitimate Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly. We call on all stakeholders to respect the constitution, uphold the rule of law, and support a leadership that represents not only the best interests of Lagos State but also the aspirations of women and girls across Nigeria.
“Women represent half of the population and are critical stakeholders in the development and governance of the state. It is high time that their voices and leadership are fully represented at the highest levels of governance.”
