By Ayo Kehinde
The Lagos State House of Assembly has debunked reports that 27 members have perfected plans to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Labour Party (LP).
The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security, Ogundipe Stephen Olukayode, on Wednesday, described the report as a malicious publication, cooked to mislead the public.
He said, “The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to categorically debunk the malicious and unfounded publication alleging that twenty-seven members of the Assembly are planning to defect from the ruling party to the opposition Labour Party (LP).
“This publication is entirely false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public.
“We find this report not only offensive but also riddled with inaccuracies and outright falsehoods that serves no purpose other than to sow discord and confusion within the Assembly and among the good people of Lagos State.
“The recent developments in the House, including the removal of the erstwhile Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the election of Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the new Speaker, are purely internal matters. These actions were carried out in accordance with the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria as amended.
“These events in no way suggest any intention by members to leave the party. We emphasise, without any ambiguity, that no member of the Assembly is contemplating defection.
“We were elected under the leadership of the ruling party, The ruling party remains united and focused on delivering its mandate to the people of Lagos State. The falsehood being spread originates from agents of destabilisation who seek to create unnecessary tension and division within the Assembly.
“To our party leaders and supporters across the state, we assure you that all members remain committed to the party.
“Furthermore, we reaffirm that any internal disagreements within the House will be resolved amicably through peaceful and democratic mechanisms. There is no crisis that warrants any member considering defection.
“We also call on all media partners to uphold the ethics of journalism by verifying facts before publication and refraining from spreading unverified reports that could mislead the public.”
Meanwhile, House Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, has denied reports that she has resigned from her position.
Speaking through Segun Ajiboye, her Chief Press Secretary, Meranda described the reports as hand work of mischief makers.
“I’m in the office. The speaker is in the office. I don’t know where that is coming from. It is a lie from the pit of hell. There is no truth in the story. I am doing my work as the CPS, the Speaker is her office as we speak and everybody is talking about his or her business. We do not know where the story is coming from. The Speaker has not resigned and there is no plan for that”, said Ajiboye.
The aide further explained that reports of Meranda’s resignation stems from a “fake resignation letter” originally circulated on Monday, by “paid bloggers.”
“I urge members of the public to ignore such reports, as they are fake, unfounded, and without any iota of truth”, Ajiboye emphasised.
He reassured that Speaker Meranda remains in “high spirits” and fully In charge of the House’s affairs.
