- Rhodes-Vivour condemns Obasa’s forceful takeover of Lagos Assembly, calling it lawless.
- He insists Obasa should face EFCC over alleged ₦17 billion misappropriation.
- He warns against political thuggery, urging protection of democratic institutions.
Former Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has condemned the crisis that erupted at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday, accusing former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa of disregarding due process.
The incident, which saw Obasa storm the Assembly complex and preside over a plenary session with a handful of lawmakers, has been widely criticized. Additionally, Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s security details were withdrawn by security agencies, raising concerns about the stability of the state legislature.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- 45% of Nigerian Girls Become Mothers Before 18 — World Bank
- ECOWAS Faces Historic Defection as Three West African Nations Withdraw
- Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House Next Week
EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement, Rhodes-Vivour described Obasa’s actions as a reflection of the moral decline in leadership, where force and intimidation override governance and decorum. He referenced former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s categorization of Lagos political elites into “Omoluabis” and “Area Boys,” stating that Obasa’s conduct aligned with the latter.
“El-Rufai might have been spot on with his categorization of Yoruba political elites in Lagos: the Omoluabis and the Area Boys. Sadly, clips of the suspended Speaker forcing his way into parliament clearly demonstrate the decline in leadership, where violence and thuggery take precedence over ideas and decorum,” Rhodes-Vivour said.
He criticized Obasa’s actions, especially given the allegations of financial misappropriation against him, arguing that he should be in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rather than forcing his way into power.
“The violation of the people’s parliament is unacceptable, and such brazen desecration of our institutions should be resisted by all,” he warned.
Rhodes-Vivour also called for the protection of democratic institutions, insisting that no individual’s personal ambition should undermine the constitution.
“No man’s ego or ambition is more important than the constitution or the sacredness of our democratic institutions. A man facing allegations of financial misappropriation and abuse of office should not have the audacity to force his way into office. He should be answering questions from the EFCC on the NGN 17,000,000,000 scandal and other allegations raised by the Assembly against him,” he added.
Concluding his statement, Rhodes-Vivour warned that Lagos risks descending into lawlessness if such acts continue, stating, “This is a nation of laws, not an animal farm. Unfortunately, left in the hands of ‘Area Boys,’ we will continue our descent into anarchy.”
FURTHER READING
- Davido Calls Out Osun Commissioner of Police Over Alleged Role in State Crisis
- Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence on Fathering New Child, Plans to Marry Chika Ike as Seventh Wife
- Nigeria Seeks Liberal Visa Support for Business Expansion in Foreign Countries
Watch Our Video Of The Week
