FIC Report (Lagos State) – The purchase of cars worths 5billion for the 40 Lawmakers of Lagos Assembly has deepened the rift between Obasa and his deputy, Morjisola Merinda.
Moreover according to a report by The PUNCH, Meranda approved the purchase of about 39 vehicles for the lawmakers in the absence of the Speaker.
This was done in a motion before his impeachment on 13th January 2025, by 35 of the 40 lawmakers.
Meranda presided over a boiling House for 49 days until March 3 when she tendered her resignation following the intervention of the leaders of the All Progressives Congress.
However, Mudashiru Obasa was reelected as speaker while Meranda returned to her formal position as Deputy Speaker.
Moreover, the crisis continues as Meranda and the Assembly still face legal battles from Obasa in the state High Court as the Speaker challenges the basis for his removal.
Furthermore, despite the political intervention of party stakeholders who resolved the leadership crisis, his contention in court is still ongoing.
Amid the legal battle is also the contention between the duo over the purchase of the vehicles with money withdrawn from the Assembly’s account while Obasa was away.
Following his return, Obasa has questioned the purchase of the vehicles without his approval.
According to a source, Obasa had planned to acquire the vehicles from Dubai from his bidder of interest.
An anonymous, aide to the Speaker revealed on Tuesday that “he (Obasa) had approved the money before his removal. But Meranda proceeded with buying them, a move that infuriated Obasa.”
Another source narrated that “In December, Obasa approved the purchase of those vehicles. But for him, the vehicles were to be bought from Dubai but when Meranda took over, she made it an open bidding. They weren’t bought in Dubai anymore. That is just the difference. So it’s not as if they stole money as it’s being propagated.”
“The purchase or execution was only done (under Meranda). Obasa already approved it. There is a difference between approval and execution,” the source further revealed.
Meranda’s spokesperson, Victor Ganzallo, said an official statement would be issued. The statement was yet to be issued as at press time.
Another reliable source close to Meranda said she only saved N2billion by purchasing 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of Toyota Landcruiser 2025 at the sum of N5b, rather than the N7bn budgeted by Obasa.
“Let it be known that Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda never made any withdrawal from the account of LAHA; rather, she only made a downward review of an existing procurement approval by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. In doing that, she saved the assembly the sum of N2 billion,” he stated.
He said Obasa had done an approval for the purchase of 35 units of Toyota Fortuner SUV and 10 units of Toyota Prado from Dubai at N7bn.
“As a matter of fact, he made the approval on December 23, 2024. Upon his removal, Rt.Hon. Mojisola Meranda reviewed the approval and called for a bidding locally and approved the sum of N5b for 32 units of 2025 Toyota Prado SUV and seven units of Toyota Landcruiser 2025 at the sum of N5b, saving N2b for the House.
“Unlike Obasa who had planned to import the vehicles from Dubai, all the cars were locally supplied. It is imperative to note that no money was withdrawn by Rt.Hon. Meranda, she only reviewed an existing approval.
Signed
Ifeme Jane
PIO
13 / 03 / 2025 .
Edited by: OSILAJA A . O
HOC (LAGOS)
