The former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has rejected his impeachment saying the process used by the lawmakers to remove him was unconstitutional.
In his first public statement since the incident, Obasa condemned the process, saying due process must be followed in matters of such magnitude.
Speaking to his supporters at the Speaker’s Lodge in Ikeja on Saturday, Obasa described the corruption allegations against him as baseless and unfounded.
He called the financial impropriety claims “impossible” and gave examples to debunk the allegations.
Impeachment
Obasa said he is the Speaker of the House and constitutionalism must be followed.
“If you want to remove me, do it the right way and I will not contest it,” he said.
According to him, as a practicing Muslim due process must be followed in all matters of governance.
Asked if he would go to court to challenge the impeachment, Obasa was evasive,
“You will know. Time will tell,” he said.
Obasa is confident of his innocence and is questioning the allegations against him.
“Can you build a fence with N16 billion? It’s not the wall of Jericho or the one between United States and Mexico,” he joked, dismissing the claim of financial mismanagement.
He also addressed the allegation that the Assembly bought 40 Hilux vehicles at N1 billion each, totalling N40 billion.
“How can you believe such a figure? I have been a lawmaker for over 20 years and I am the longest serving member of the House. I have not done anything wrong,” Obasa said.
Intimidation
The embattled lawmaker spoke on the events that led to his impeachment, saying over 200 police officers invaded the Assembly complex and his private residence in Agege on the day he was removed.
According to Obasa, the police blocked his residence and restricted his family’s movement.
Obasa compared this to previous leadership changes in the House,
“When Rt. Hon Jokotola Pelumi was removed, he was in the Assembly and no policeman was involved. The same applied to Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, the former deputy speaker. Why now?” he asked.
His Legacy
Obasa restated his commitment to the Lagos State House of Assembly.
“The Lagos Assembly is an institution of excellence. We must not soil it and I will not be part of its destruction,” he said.
He also thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the Governance Advisory Council, calling the governor his brother who has always been his ally.
Despite the impeachment and all, Obasa is optimistic about his political future.
He thanked his constituents for their unshakable support, saying they have elected him six times.
“This is not my father’s chieftaincy title. I am here to serve my people and I will do so with integrity,” he said.