Benjamin Mokwunye
Moving on and not looking back is a sentiment that emphasizes an important position once the deed is done. And it aligns with letting go of the past, and courageously moving forward for the good of today and the future. From whatever angle, it is self-evident that recent developments at the Lagos State House of Assembly inspired the above title. Therefore, I do not wish to belabour my points in summarizing the key issues in the recent impeachment procedure of the former speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the last-minute horse-trading, the emergence of a new speaker, Hon. Meranda Lasbat and the timely intervention of the Governance Advisory Council, GAC.
Even in a turbulent political season as we witnessed a few weeks ago in Lagos State, this State of Aquatic Splendor remains a very good example to other states in Nigeria in politics. And no one discusses Lagos affairs without talking about this land of opportunity with unrivalled diversity, a great ecosystem and a place where exciting things happen. Apart from the fact that Lagos, like every megacity, is large and densely populated, Lagos also has very high economic activity, advanced infrastructure and more.
Therefore, when Lagos Assembly lawmakers took the decision to change its leadership a couple of weeks ago, all eyes were on Lagos for many good reasons. But eyes were also on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s president who is widely believed to have contributed immeasurably to the making of modern Lagos.
Tinubu served as governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 and made a great impact in the lives of both the city and its people across board. So, most Lagosians are of the view that Lagos is what it is today largely due to the courage and vision of the president.
Without doubt, Tinubu is a highly skilled professional and politician who excels extraordinarily at finding, attracting and sustaining talents, no matter who they are and where they are from. Outside the executive arm where his progressive firm grip is still felt, he is also reputed to have encouraged a generation of young people to play active part in politics, especially in both the legislative and judicial arms of government. As we all know, as a governor, he maintained a harmonious relationship built on mutual respect, appreciation and open communication with heads of other tires of government.
Unfortunately, the impeached speaker appeared to have lost his way with regard to Tinubu’s principles and liberal political disposition on matters of mutual respect and open communication. According to the former speaker’s colleagues in the House of Assembly, highhandedness, exclusion, ego trip and personal aggrandizement were his major missteps. Sadly, he paid dearly for his errors.
Before now, Lagos State House of Assembly had enjoyed remarkable peace and independence, which is a constitutional provision. Integrity, harmony and the right of initiative without rancour were also not in short supply. This traditional conviviality among members of the House of Assembly dates back to 1999, and it continued over the years until the recent ugly development.
Before the impeachment came, it was easy to measure the mindset of most members of the House as they had complained of a plethora of infractions ranging from disempowerment and bullying to condescension and exclusion. I am sure that the president, given his democratic credentials, would not have been able to save the embattled speaker in those anxious days leading to his impeachment. But there are lessons and hope even in the midst of what happened with the state of the assembly.
The new House of Assembly, regardless of what took place, should be allowed to evolve in response to the changing political times, not just in Lagos State but all over Nigeria. As we all know, expectations are high, and Lagos has the duty of providing exemplary leadership especially as it concerns legislative duties.
After those difficult and uncertain weeks, I believe this is the time to move on and focus on the future. As far as I am concerned, there are no losers in the events of last few weeks. Everyone is a winner for as long as the intention remains service to the people.
God bless Lagos State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
*Mokwunye, a lawyer and public affairs commentator, lives in Lagos.
