Shehu Sani warns Lagos Assembly against Rivers-like crisis, sparks reactions

DDM News

Shehu Sani has cautioned the Lagos State House of Assembly to avoid the mistakes that have crippled governance in Rivers State.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that he issued the warning through his X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting the dangers of prolonged political crises in legislative houses.

His message has sparked widespread reactions among Nigerians on social media, with many expressing concerns over the unfolding situation.

Shehu Sani is known for his vocal stance on democracy, governance, and legislative matters, making his warning particularly significant.

During his time in the 8th National Assembly, he actively participated in national debates on governance, human rights, and political stability.

His latest intervention comes amid escalating tensions in the Lagos State House of Assembly, drawing comparisons to the Rivers Assembly crisis.

Lessons from Rivers State

The Rivers Assembly crisis has disrupted governance for over a year, with no resolution in sight.

It began shortly after Governor Siminalayi Fubara assumed office, leading to a power struggle within the state’s legislature.

Despite several mediation attempts, the crisis remains unresolved, leaving governance in a state of uncertainty.

Shehu Sani urged the Lagos Assembly to learn from Rivers State and prevent a similar breakdown in governance.

He emphasized the need for dialogue and compromise to avoid legislative paralysis and prolonged political instability.

His message has generated mixed reactions, with some agreeing with his warning while others dismiss comparisons between the two crises.

The Lagos Assembly crisis

The crisis in the Lagos Assembly began with the impeachment of Mudashiru Obasa as speaker.

Lawmakers accused him of financial impropriety and high-handedness, leading to his removal.

The Assembly quickly elected Mojisola Meranda as the new speaker, replacing Obasa.

Obasa, who was out of the country at the time, rejected his impeachment upon returning.

He insisted that he remained the legitimate speaker despite the lawmakers’ decision.

To challenge his removal, he filed a lawsuit, seeking to overturn the Assembly’s resolution.

His opponents responded with counter-lawsuits, intensifying the legal battle over the speakership.

Tensions escalate further

The crisis took a dramatic turn when Obasa allegedly stormed the Assembly with Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.

Many interpreted this move as an attempt to forcefully reclaim his position as speaker.

The Governance Advisory Committee (GAC) stepped in, attempting to mediate between the warring factions.

Some senior All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders from the Southwest geopolitical zone also intervened.

Following their meetings, compromises were reportedly reached, raising hopes for a peaceful resolution.

However, those hopes faded when security details assigned to Meranda were withdrawn unexpectedly.

Shortly after, Obasa returned to the Assembly with armed security personnel, insisting that he was still the speaker.

In response, lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Meranda, rejecting Obasa’s return outright.

The crisis has since deepened, with no clear resolution in sight.

Shehu Sani’s timely warning

As tensions escalated, Shehu Sani took to social media to issue a warning.

He urged the Lagos Assembly to avoid descending into chaos like the Rivers Assembly.

He stressed that unresolved legislative conflicts could destabilize governance and weaken democratic institutions.

His advice resonated with many Nigerians, prompting widespread discussions on the crisis.

Some agreed with him, warning that Lagos could become another Rivers if the conflict persisted.

Others dismissed the comparison, arguing that Lagos had different political dynamics from Rivers.

One social media user wrote, “Shehu Sani is right. If this crisis drags on, governance in Lagos will suffer.”

Another countered, stating, “The situation in Lagos is different. It will not escalate like Rivers State’s crisis.”

Despite differing opinions, Shehu Sani’s message has sparked important conversations about legislative conflicts.

Political fallout and future implications

The Lagos Assembly crisis has serious implications for governance and political stability in the state.

Prolonged instability could disrupt legislative activities and weaken public confidence in the government.

It could also create divisions within the state’s ruling APC, affecting its political structure.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has tasked senior APC elders with resolving the dispute.

However, the legal battle over the speakership continues, with both factions refusing to back down.

Obasa’s return with security personnel signals his determination to reclaim his position.

Meanwhile, Meranda’s supporters remain firm in defending her leadership.

The coming weeks will determine whether dialogue prevails or the crisis worsens.

Shehu Sani’s advocacy for stability

Throughout his career, Shehu Sani has consistently championed democracy, good governance, and political stability.

He has spoken out against crises that threaten Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

His warning to the Lagos Assembly aligns with his broader advocacy for political order.

From his time as a civil rights activist to his tenure in the Senate, he has remained vocal on national issues.

His intervention highlights the urgency of resolving legislative conflicts before they spiral out of control.

As Lagos lawmakers navigate this crisis, many will be watching to see if they heed Shehu Sani’s advice.

Conclusion: The need for resolution

The Lagos Assembly crisis remains a major concern for governance in the state.

Political analysts warn that prolonged instability could have far-reaching consequences.

Mediation efforts must continue to prevent further disruptions to legislative activities.

Shehu Sani’s warning has reignited discussions on the dangers of unresolved legislative disputes.

Lawmakers must prioritize stability over personal ambition to ensure effective governance.

For now, the future of the Lagos Assembly remains uncertain.

One thing is clear: Shehu Sani’s message has sparked a national conversation on political crises.

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