JUST IN: Police restore Meranda’s security aides

The security details attached to Mojisola Meranda, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, have been reinstated.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, confirmed this during a press briefing on Thursday, explaining that the withdrawal was part of a routine audit and not motivated by any ulterior motive.

Earlier, all security aides, including police officers assigned to Meranda, were withdrawn, raising concerns about her safety.

A source close to the Speaker stated that the move had left her vulnerable.

Meanwhile, the security aides attached to former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa were swiftly restored following his return to office.

Reacting, Meranda had 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 labelled 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 is 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.