The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday questioned multiple lawmakers from the Lagos State House of Assembly over the recent impeachment of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the former Speaker of the House.
Obasa was removed from office on January 13 following allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement.
According to The New Daily Prime, Obasa insists that his removal was unlawful and has petitioned the DSS, requesting a thorough investigation into the impeachment process.
Sources confirmed that more than half of the lawmakers who participated in the impeachment were summoned and questioned for hours on Thursday before being released later in the evening. A security official clarified that the lawmakers were not detained but only invited to provide clarity on the events surrounding Obasa’s removal.
Reacting to the DSS inquiry, the Assembly’s spokesperson, Ogundipe Olukayode, maintained that Obasa’s impeachment was lawful and democratic.
“At the DSS office, we reaffirmed our commitment to upholding constitutional governance following the removal of the former Speaker. The decision was made in full compliance with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Powers and Privileges Act, which empower the State Assembly to regulate its internal affairs without external interference.”
“The impeachment process followed democratic principles, securing the required majority as stipulated by law. Any attempt to challenge this decision undermines the authority granted to us by the Nigerian Constitution.”
“We appreciate the professionalism of the DSS in their handling of this matter. The Lagos DSS Command, particularly its Director, ensured a smooth and respectful engagement, allowing us to provide a detailed account of events in a comfortable and professional setting.”
A reliable source disclosed that some members of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC)—a powerful political body in Lagos—were dissatisfied with the impeachment process.
These GAC members, who are loyal to Obasa, argued that they were not properly consulted before the decision was made and questioned the legality of the impeachment process. Some reportedly insist that Obasa should challenge the decision in court unless President Bola Tinubu intervenes.
Obasa, who has been Speaker since 2015 and represents Agege Constituency I, remains defiant. Upon returning to Lagos from the United States, he declared himself the rightful Speaker, urging lawmakers to follow the proper legal process in addressing his impeachment.
“I have been unfairly targeted, and my removal did not follow due process.”
As political tensions rise, observers await further legal and political developments, including possible court battles and high-level interventions.
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