Lagos Assembly releases new directives for all employees amid leadership conflict
The Lagos State House of Assembly has instructed its staff and legislative aides to work from home until further notice due to the ongoing leadership crisis within the legislative arm, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
The Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Babatunde Abubakar, issued the directive in a memo to all staff on Sunday.
The move, according to the memo titled “Amendment to Remote Work Schedule Arrangement,” aims to ensure staff safety and prevent any potential violence stemming from the leadership dispute.
“To this end, all categories of staff at the Assembly, LAHASCOM, and legislative aides are requested to work remotely from home until further notice,” the memo stated.
The Lagos State House of Assembly has reassured its workers that the new Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, is committed to their safety and finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The Assembly has been plagued by turmoil since the removal of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and ex-Clerk Olalekan Onafeko by 32 lawmakers on January 13, 2025. Obasa’s former deputy, Meranda, has taken over as the substantive Speaker.
The crisis escalated when the Department of State Services sealed off the Assembly complex, preventing lawmakers from holding plenary.
Lawmakers in Lagos State, Nigeria, broke into the Assembly chambers amidst high tension, conducted a session, and adjourned indefinitely, declaring confidence in Meranda.
In response to the recent removal of Obasa as Speaker, his supporters have been protesting, demanding his reinstatement.
Obasa has rejected his removal as unconstitutional, and a court hearing is set for March 7, 2025, to address his lawsuit challenging the decision.
In response, Obasa has filed a lawsuit against Meranda, the Lagos Assembly, and 36 lawmakers, challenging his removal. The Ikeja Court has set March 7, 2025, for the hearing of the case.
Despite the crisis, Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, in a circular issued earlier, officially recognised the leadership change and urged staff to support the new Speaker and Acting Clerk.
