The All Progressives Congress States Assembly Forum has urged security agencies to ensure the protection of the new Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, and safeguard the legislative arm of government in the states.
During its 35th congress held in Kaduna on Tuesday, ASAF emphasized that Lagos State lawmakers should prioritize the needs of their constituents in their legislative work, stressing that Nigerians are seeking tangible benefits from democracy rather than leadership conflicts.
The forum called for a focus on delivering the dividends of democracy rather than becoming embroiled in political crises.
In a communique issued at the conclusion of the congress, ASAF congratulated Hon. Mojisola Meranda on her appointment and expressed full support for her leadership, pledging to assist in elevating the assembly to new heights.
The communique, signed by ASAF’s Director General, Fubara Dagogo, described her appointment as a positive step forward, commending the Lagos State House of Assembly for breaking tradition and electing Meranda as the first female speaker in the state.
Dagogo hailed the new speaker as a staunch Democrat who has been instrumental in advocating for legislative autonomy. The APC group also called on President Bola Tinubu to address the ongoing crisis within the Lagos State Assembly, urging that the decision of over 32 members be respected and that the assembly avoid further turmoil over leadership disputes.
The forum revealed plans to visit the new speaker, with preparations already underway for the solidarity trip. During this visit, ASAF intends to present a position paper focused on promoting the dividends of democracy and expressing gratitude for Meranda’s unwavering commitment to legislative autonomy.
ASAF also called on President Bola Tinubu, who has a close connection to both Lagos State and the nation as a whole, to encourage peace among assembly members and allow Hon. Meranda to fully exercise her duties as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“We commenced the position of the Lagos State Assembly on the appointment of Hon. Mojisola Meranda as the new speaker. The appointment for those of us who have followed the footsteps of Hon. Meranda is a commendable decision. She has remained at the forefront of our desired fight for legislative autonomy.
“We urge all that are concerned to give her the massive support because we are convinced that she will deliver perfectly and expectedly. She has a good track record as a lawmakers and we have followed her footsteps diligently and are convinced that as the new speaker, all she requires is the total support of members to move the assembly out of its current crisis.
“We therefore urged president Bola Tinubu, who is the father of the nation and Lagos State in particular to prevail on all members of the assembly to give peace a chance and allow Hon. Meranda to carry out her legislative role as Speaker of the Lagos StateHouse of Assembly,”the communique read in parts.
