The Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, has reacted to the unexpected withdrawal of security personnel assigned to her and the Assembly complex.
Why Were The Police Escorts Assigned To Meranda Withdrawn?
The Lagos State Police Command had revealed that the decision to remove the security details assigned to Mojisola Meranda, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, was purely administrative and not influenced by politics.
According to the police, the withdrawal came after it was found that the officers assigned to protect VIPs in the state did not have the necessary official approval.
The police further stated that similar action was taken for other VIPs who lacked proper authorization for security details.
The new Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood, issued a directive to ensure that only those with the required formal approval would have police protection.
The aim is to bring professionalism and order to the process.
Sources disclosed that several individuals, including traditional rulers who have been under police protection for years without formal approval, were also affected by this move.
In the case of the Speaker, it was noted that while she is entitled to police security by law, the protocol involves the outgoing administration formally notifying the police about new leadership positions.
This communication, however, was not submitted, which may explain the removal of her security detail.
The police emphasized that the action was not targeted at the Speaker personally but was part of the broader effort to ensure that due process is followed in such matters.
Meranda Breaks Silence
Reacting, Meranda described the withdrawal as troubling and a potential threat to governance in the state.
In a statement issued by Victor Ganzallo, her Special Adviser on Information, the withdrawal of security operatives was labeled as an unusual action that could have serious consequences.
She questioned the timing of the decision, especially considering the ongoing political tensions within the Assembly.
According to the statement, “Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda was duly elected by her colleagues, and her leadership was reinforced with a strong vote of confidence. The timing of the security withdrawal, coupled with the hostile actions of the former Speaker and his associates, raises serious questions. Is this politically motivated, or part of a larger strategy to destabilize the current administration?”
The speaker’s aide also suggested that the gender dynamics in politics could be a factor, stating, “Could this act of aggression reflect deep-seated bias against female leadership? Is Rt. Hon. Meranda’s position as a woman Speaker being used to justify such intimidation and disruption?”
The aide linked the development to an ongoing internal power struggle following the removal of the former Speaker, suggesting that it was a calculated move to weaken Meranda’s leadership and create instability.
“We demand an immediate clarification from both the police and the state government on their roles in this matter. The absence of security for top officials raises serious concerns about the safety of public officeholders in Lagos. If such intimidation can occur at the highest levels, what protection exists for ordinary citizens?” he added.
The Speaker’s office has called for a full investigation and accountability from all involved parties, stressing that such actions must not go unchallenged.
