Mudashiru Obasa, impeached speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly, says it is not a sin to nurse a governorship ambition.
Obasa spoke on Saturday while fielding questions from journalists at the speaker’s lodge in Ikeja, the state capital, hours after his return to the country.
Asked whether his removal from office can be linked to his governorship bid, Obasa retorted: “Having ambition to become a governor is not a sin”.
In 2024, Obasa said past governors of Lagos were not better qualified than he is, amid insinuations that he was setting out his stall for a 2027 governorship bid.
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“Becoming governor is secondary to me. It is something that I have not given a serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I’m too young or lack experience to run. Whereas those who have been before me are not better off,” he had said.
‘I NEVER TOLD ANYONE I WANT TO BECOME GOVERNOR’
The former speaker said although he has not declared his intention to run for governor, he is qualified and possesses the experience to lead the state.
“However, I have said on the floor of the house when the budget was presented that I had no thought of governorship but that does not mean that I am not qualified or I lack experience. I still maintain that position,” he said.
“But in the whole of Lagos state, let any leader or anybody come out to explain that Obasa approached him or her to say he wants to become governor.”
Obasa said the Lagos assembly did not adhere to constitutional processes in removing him from office, adding that he remains speaker of the house.
“And if you must remove (the speaker), you must ensure you follow the rules of the game. I am not afraid to be removed; what else am I looking for if I’ve served as speaker, and member of the house of assembly since 2003 up till date? So, what is the problem?” he asked.
Hours after the interview, the Lagos house of assembly said it stood by its decision to remove Obasa.
Obasa was impeached on January 13 while out of the country. Lawmakers accused him of gross misconduct and abuse of office.
Following his removal, Mojisola Meranda, his deputy, was elected as the new speaker of the assembly.
