By Pascal Ibe
@Shehusky, an influencer on the X platform, claimed that the current Lagos State Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, has resigned over the continued crisis.
The X user wrote, “BREAKING: The female speaker of Lagos Assembly has been forced to resign. Tinubu is a Democrat. 🤣🤣🤣
The which has generated over 504k views and more than 5k likes had many comments from people who believed this post was true.
To corroborate the claim further, another X user, @watpapping shared an alleged resignation letter by Meranda.
Background
Earlier on Monday morning, Mojisola Meranda, speaker of the Lagos state House of Assembly, could not access her office after the Department of State Security Services (DSS) and security agencies invade Lagos State House of Assembly premises.
Meranda became the first female speaker of the Lagos assembly on January 13, after Mudashiru Obasa was removed while he was out of the country.
On his return, Obasa challenged the process, arguing that due procedure was not followed and insisting that he remained the legitimate speaker of the house.
Thorough Findings
Speaking to a Lagos-based journalist, Kemi Abiodun told FACTWATCH Nigeria that as of 8:51am on Wednesday, news of Meranda’s resignation has not been confirmed anywhere. He said no one had received any signed letter from the speaker.
The letter shared by the X user, @watpapping, has no signature by Meranda, as it was also dated 17th February. This was an indication that the claim may be far from being true and the letter forged.
Also, no credible news organization in Nigeria has authoritatively reported this at the moment.
It later was reported that after hours of stand-off between workers at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex and security officials who barricaded the hallowed chambers, the Speaker of the House, Mojisola Meranda, finally gained access to her office and presided over plenary on Monday.
Thirty-six pro-Meranda lawmakers in the 40-member house, who passed a vote of confidence in the new speaker, said plots to make the new speaker resign her office for the former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa won’t stand.
Meranda became emotional as the lawmakers passed a vote of confidence in her and adjourned the plenary indefinitely.
Verdict
At the moment, there’s no credible report or strong evidence that supports the claim that the Lagos Assembly Speaker had resigned. Therefore, this is UNPROVEN.
